§ Mr. Leightonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis about the steps being taken by the police to deal with racial attacks in Barking road in the London borough of Newham.
§ Mr. HurdThe commissioner has informed me that the incidents in this area, reported to the police, are being vigorously investigated. Additional uniformed officers have also been deployed in the area at the appropriate times. The complainants have been kept in touch with the progress of the inquiries, and in addition meetings were held at East Ham police station on 15 and 18 June when the police explained to representatives of the community the steps they were taking to deal with these attacks. The police intend to try to establish a consultative group with representatives of the community specifically to consider how best to deal with racial attacks in this area. I understand it is the intention of the police to approach the hon. Member in connection with the establishment of this group.