Incitement to Racial Hatred

Part of Clause 70 – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 8 July 1976.

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Photo of Mr Hugh Rossi Mr Hugh Rossi , Haringey Hornsey 12:00, 8 July 1976

I do not mind turning my back on the Benches opposite, in view of the way that some hon. Gentlemen are behaving.

What I was seeking to do, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and of course you will call me to order if my remarks are not relevant to the matters in the Bill, was to address myself to a particular problem facing a large number of my constituents. I am referring to the lack of job opportunities for many of my constituents who have achieved certain levels of education and now find themselves without the outlets for their knowledge. They find themselves having to go into dead-end jobs. It is that which will exacerbate race relations more than anything else that we have been discussing, and it is an important matter that the House should consider, if only for a few moments.

The Bill establishes a commission that will lay down a code of practice. I was here to debate an amendment dealing with that, but it was not called. I therefore raise the matter now. The code of practice is said to be laid down to deal with matters of job opportunity. Had that amendment been called—