HC Deb 13 March 2003 vol 401 c413W
22. Mr. Dismore

To ask the Solicitor-General what her policy is on prosecution of race hate crimes. [102724]

The Solicitor-General

The Crown Prosecution Service reviews all allegations of inciting racial hatred in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

All such allegations are considered individually, on their own merits. However when considering the public interest of such prosecutions the Code for Crown Prosecutors specifically states that a prosecution is likely to be needed if: the offence was motivated by any form of discrimination against the victim's ethnic or national origin".

All such prosecutions are dealt with by the Casework Directorate where they are reviewed by a team of specialist lawyers and no prosecution takes place without the consent of the Attorney-General.