Race and law
Sir: Congratulations on your decision to publish Louis Claiborne's article on 'Race Relations and the Role of Law' (November 13). By a happy coincidence I proposed a motion on the previous day calling for a strengthening of the 1968 Race Relations Act, which was duly carried. The argument used in the debate bore a close resemblance to those of Mr Claiborne. However, I would place less emphasis than Mr Claiborne on strengthening the penal provisions. I do not think that it is necessary for damages to go beyond 'loss of opportunity.' Evidence in the courts suggests that the complainants are not concerned with extracting money from the discriminator so much as seeing that he does not discriminate again. Also, Mr Claiborne underestimates the fear of adverse publicity. This is particularly relevant to large firms.
It is more important that the Board be given increased investigatory power so that it can make an impact on the patterns of employment which, so far, have been left largely untouched. Section 17 should include a provision that the Board shall carry out surveys. As an ancillary to this power, the Government must stipulate that government contractors, at least, will keep statistics by ethnic origin, department, and rank. A sub-division of the Board should be set up and charged with the supervision of government contracts, and have the right to require annual reports so as to monitor progress.
The Board should also have the power to subpoena witnesses and acquire documents. At present, the Board's conciliation officers have less power than factory inspectors, social service inspectors, and the
Ombudsman. •
Max Hanna Bow Group Convenor of 'Race Relations and the Law' Study Group, 9 Culford Gardens, London SW3
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