§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any plans to raise the level of publicity in respect of the prevention of racial harassment in conjunction with the Greater London council and the Metropolitan police in east London; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawWe will continue to take every opportunity to express publicly the Government's concern about racial harassment, and the need for all concerned to co-operate to reduce this evil. We particularly welcome the recent announcement by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that effective action against racial attacks is to be one of six operational priorities for 1985.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he plans to establish special advisory centres in the inner and east London areas for citizens from ethnic minority groups who are the victims of racial assaults.
§ Mr. Giles ShawNo. Advisory centres of this kind are most likely to be effective when organised locally to meet local needs. I understand that there already exists in inner and east London victim support schemes, law centres, citizens advice bureaux and local community groups to which the victims of crime can turn to for assistance.