§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Attorney-General how many prosecutions for incitement to racial hatred under the Public Order Act 1986 he has authorised in each year since 1987; and on how many occasions the prosecution has been successful.
The Solicitor-GeneralIn each of the years since 1987 consent has been given to prosecute the following numbers of persons for offences contrary to part III of the Public Order Act 1986:
486W
Number 1987 0 1988 2 1989 1 1990 2 1991 3 1992 3 1993 2 1994 1 Seven cases resulted in conviction and one in acquittal. In addition, one defendant was bound over, one died before trial and one case was discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service. Prosecutions have been started, but have not been concluded, in three cases. In one further case, although consent was originally granted, it was later withdrawn on public interest grounds.