§ Mr. Lubbockasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is his policy regarding payment by county cricket clubs of the cost involved in dealing with demonstrations within their grounds by the police;
(2) if he is aware that a tour by South African cricketers is due to take place in the summer of 1970; and if he will call for reports from chief constables on the numbers of police which they estimate, on the basis of their recent experience with the Springbok Rugby tour, will be required to maintain order at county cricket grounds and on the estimated cost involved.
§ Mr. CallaghanBroadly, it is the responsibility of the chief officer of police to determine what police strength is required to deal with any given situation, including sporting events. The common practice is to base the charges made to promoters under Section 15 of the Police Act, 1964 on the number of policemen who are required to attend inside the ground or premises.
The M.C.C. has been informed by me of the way in which this is done, and I understand that the cricket clubs are in touch with the appropriate chief officers of police.