ABSTRACT
The Commission for Racial Equality’s (CRE) powers are equally explicit. The greatly increased powers given to the CRE under the 1976 Act has inevitably created increased costs to industry and commerce. The CRE may conduct a formal investigation "for any purpose connected with the carrying out of statutory duties". The CRE has pursued two approaches in using its legal powers: individual complaints and formal investigations. The purpose of the CRE's proposals is to make its powers all-embracing. In addition to having the original powers to issue a Code of Practice in employment, the CRE demanded the power to do so in other areas. The government's response to the CRE's 1985 proposals for increased powers was distinctly lukewarm. In addition to the increased powers mentioned in relation to the 1985 proposals, the 1992 proposals would undoubtedly bring the spectre of universal racial monitoring and quotas a great deal nearer.
