I am most grateful. Contrary to the impression that I might create, I am not simply a cold-hearted lawyer: I value symbols very much indeed.
I finish with this about education and legislation. It is almost 50 years since, in 1967, in its first annual report, the Race Relations Board summarised the role of legislation in this way: First:
“A law is an unequivocal declaration of public policy”.
Secondly:
“A law gives support to those who do not wish to discriminate, but who feel compelled to do so by social pressure”.
Thirdly:
“A law gives protection and redress to minority groups”.
Fourthly:
“A law thus provides for the peaceful and orderly adjustment of grievances and the release of tensions” ,
and fifthly:
“A law reduces prejudice by discouraging the behavior in which prejudice finds expression”.
Ghandhiji is no longer alive, but I have no doubt that his spirit would guide us in a vote if it is decided to divide the House.