§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment he has made of the available data on stalking in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement; [32061]
348W(2) what action he proposes to deter stalkers and to protect their victims; [32063]
(3) what representations he has received from the national anti-stalking and harassment campaign and support association; what response he has made; and if he will make a statement; [32064]
(4) if he will introduce legislation to make stalking a criminal offence. [32060]
§ Mr. MacleanIt is a matter of great concern when an individual persistently and obsessively pursues another, to the point of causing distress and anxiety to the unwilling recipient of his attentions.
We are aware of a number of such cases through press reports and information supplied by the police, individuals who have been personally involved, and the national anti-stalking and harassment campaign, NASH. NASH has also provided a number of detailed assessments of the problem, including proposals to amend the law to make stalking a specific criminal offence.
This is, however, a difficult area in which to legislate, since the behaviour of stalkers can range from ostensibly harmless activities such as sitting outside a person's house, following them, and sending flowers and chocolates—which cannot be prohibited by law—to more serious actions, such as making threats, nuisance telephone calls, and sending abusive letters—which are already criminal offences.
I have responded to NASH, and to others, expressing the Government's reservations about legislating in this area. Nevertheless, we are aware that specific anti-stalking legislation is in place in the United States and Canada, and we are examining their laws to see if there are any lessons to be learnt.