§ Mr. Berminghamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received regarding the refusal of bail to persons from the ethnic minorities.
§ Mr. MellorA few of the letters received by the Home Office have included such representations by individuals in relation to individual cases, but precise figures are not available.
§ Mr. Berminghamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he has issued to magistrates on policy towards the circumstances in which bail should be given or refused; if this has included any specific guidance relating to persons from the ethnic minorities; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. MellorNone; the decision whether or not to grant bail is one which a magistrates court takes, in exercise of its judicial discretion, in accordance with the powers conferred by the Bail Act 1976.