§ Mr. SpellerTo ask the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's mechanisms for the monitoring of cults in the United Kingdom.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government are aware of the distress that can be caused to individuals and families as a result of involvement with certain cults, particularly where young people are concerned. Provided these groups operate within the law, however, it would not be right., in the Government's view, for us to place restraints on freedom of expression or freedom of religion and belief. Any evidence of illegal activities should he referred to the police who will take appropriate action.
The Government believe that the best way of dealing with these cults is through public exposure of their true nature. For this reason the Home Office has been providing start-up funding since October 1987 over three years for INFORM—Information Network Focus on Religious Movements. Its work is supported by the major churches. Under the terms of its grant, INFORM is required to produce a report annually on its activities. The report for the calendar year 1988 was received in May 1989, and the report for 1989 is expected in due course.