HC Deb 13 September 2004 vol 424 cc1408-9W
Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the activities of the November 9th Society. [186293]

Fiona Mactaggart

The Government condemn any individual or group which promotes racism. The Home Office is currently developing a cross-Government community cohesion and race equality strategy, due to be launched later this year, which will among other matters address how we can most effectively respond to the threat from political extremism. It is for the police and Crown Prosecution Service to decide whether to prosecute any alleged offences.

Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take action to close the website of the November 9th Society; and if he will make a statement. [186294]

Fiona Mactaggart

The Government condemn those who use the internet to distribute racist material of this kind. The law on incitement to racial hatred applies to material on the internet which comes within our jurisdiction. It is for the police to investigate complaints and decide whether there is evidence that website operators have committed offences

The Internet Watch Foundation serves as a central point of contact for those who wish to report examples of inflammatory material on the internet.

The Government are currently working on an e-crime strategy which will include consideration of racist material on the internet.