§ Mr. SoleyTo ask the Attorney-General whether he will consider instituting proceedings under section 18 of the Public Order Act 1986 against(a) Bernard Manning and (b) the organisers of the Haydock Park police social event on Friday 10 March. [21314]
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe question of prosecution does not arise unless there has first been a criminal investigation. It is the function of the police to investigate alleged criminal offences and the hon. Member should place any evidence which he considers discloses an offence in the hands of the relevant chief officer of police.
§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Attorney-General if he will obtain from Granada Television a transcript of the recent address by the comedian Bernard Manning at a social event organised by members of the Greater Manchester police with a view to considering a prosecution for incitement to racial hatred; and if he will make a statement. [21304]
§ The Attorney-GeneralNo. The investigation of any criminal offence which is alleged to have been committed is the function of the police.
If the hon. Member has reason to believe that an offence has been committed he should report the matter to the police.