HC Deb 15 November 1956 vol 560 cc1125-6
38. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many mounted police, constables, officials, police vans and police cars were in attendance at the meeting held on 5th November at Briggs Works, Dagenham, at 1 p.m.; why their presence was considered necessary; and what was the total cost incurred.

Mr. Deedes

Seven police officers were on duty at the meeting. In addition 43 police officers, including three mounted officers, with two vans, were held in reserve. No additional cost was incurred. The task of the police was to ensure compliance with police directions regarding the meeting place and to prevent any possible obstruction or disorder.

Mrs. Braddock

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the whole thing was completely unnecessary; that the appearance of so many constables and mounted policemen was a deliberate provocation to peaceful citizens and was resented very much indeed by those who called the meeting? Is the Minister further aware that he has not answered the whole of my Question? I wanted to know how many police cars were there and how many officials were there, as well as constables? I counted ten officials and six police cars as well as those to which the hon. Gentleman has referred.

Mr. Deedes

On this occasion the hon. Lady attracted an audience of about 1,500 people. In those circumstances seven policemen was not considered an excessive number to be on the spot. There was also the reserve, which I have mentioned, which was held away from the actual meeting place—[HON. MEMBERS: "What for?"] As to the reserve, it is for the Commissioner of Police to make whatever dispositions he thinks the occasion may require.

Mr. Lagden

Would not my hon. Friend agree that it would have been possible to reduce the number of police at this meeting, as the principal speaker is so seldom taken seriously by sensible workers?

Mrs. Braddock

Will the Minister look at this matter again, because his information is incorrect? Is he aware that if he is not prepared to do so, I shall have to raise the matter on the Adjournment? Is he aware that the information he has given is incorrect, and that I had to request the putting back into the vans of the constables who were brought out? Is he prepared to look further into this, or am I to give notice of my intention to raise the matter on the Adjournment?

Mr. Deedes

I am always prepared to check our facts against those of the hon. Lady, but, to the best of my belief, there were seven policemen on duty at the meeting she addressed.