§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about race relations in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. HanleyEarlier this year, the Government, in responding to the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights second report on "Religious and Political Discrimination and Equality of Opportunity in Northern Ireland" (Cm 1107), indicated that they would bring forward in 1992 a consultative document to examine the scope for race legislation in Northern Ireland. This consultative document will be published later today. It will examine the need for and possible scope of legislation on race relations in Northern Ireland and the possible form and content of any such legislation. The consultative document also reviews a range of departmental policies and programmes which affect ethnic minority groups.
The document will also seek views about legislation to make discrimination in the provision of goods, facilities, services and premises on the ground of religious belief or political opinion unlawful.