§ Mr. GerrardTo ask the Attorney-General in how many cases referred by the police to the Crown Prosecution Service during the last year, an element or allegation of racial motivation has been identified by the police; and how many of these cases were brought to court.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe code for crown prosecutors requires that racial motivation be regarded by crown prosecutors as an aggravating feature when considering in particular cases where the public interest requires a prosecution. Such motivation can be found in a wide range of offences. The Crown Prosecution Service does not maintain records in a form which enables the information sought by the hon. Member to be obtained other than at disproportionate cost.