§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Prime Minister what arrangements are being proposed to guard against14W institutional racism in the public sector as a whole, with particular reference to new tests, guidelines and monitoring arrangements; and if he will make a statement. [75136]
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government have accepted the definition of institutional racism set out in the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report and have welcomed the Report's recommendations. A detailed response and action plan will be laid before the House in time for the debate on the Report.
As my right hon. Friend made clear in his statement to the House on 24 February 1999, Official Report, columns 389–403 the Report is a challenge to all public services and the Government are committed to a comprehensive agenda to improve race relations which will set out over the coming months. This will include extending the Race Relations Act 1976 to cover public services.