HC Deb 13 December 1956 vol 562 cc603-4
19. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a further statement on the numbers of Metropolitan Police officers, etc., in attendance at a meeting addressed by the hon. Member for the Exchange Division at Dagenham on 5th November.

Major Lloyd-George

As my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State stated in reply to a Question by the hon. Member on 15th November, seven police officers were on duty at the meeting and 43 police officers, including three mounted officers, were held in reserve. The total of 50 included officers of all ranks. My hon. Friend further stated that two police vans were used. I regret that this statement was based upon incomplete information. In addition to the two vans near the meeting, there were two vans stationed some distance away. Two senior police officers used cars to go to the meeting and a wireless car was stationed nearby.

Mrs. Braddock

While thanking the right hon. and gallant Gentleman for the corrected information, may I ask whether he is aware that the reason I asked my supplementary question on the last occasion was that I knew that his Department's information was incorrect? Will he take steps to see that when he answers Questions he obtains correct information before giving a reply to an hon. Member?

Major Lloyd-George

I stand rebuked, but I do not think that it can- often be said that information given by my Department is incorect.

Mr. W. T. Williams

Were the Minister and his Department and the police expecting a revolution?

Major Lloyd-George

No, Sir. This was just an exercise.