HC Deb 17 July 1958 vol 591 cc1424-5
31. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what grounds and for what purpose Metropolitan Police photographers are taking photographs of marchers taking part in the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament; and if this is done with his approval.

Mr. Renton

My right hon. Friend is informed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that he has no knowledge of any such photographs being taken by the police.

Mr. Allaun

But is the Minister aware that this has occurred recently in Salford, Bradford, Middlesbrough, Warrington and other towns, and that in two cases the chief constable has now admitted it? Will the Minister tell the House the purpose of these photographs; and, since this appears to be an interference with civil liberties on a national scale, will he ask his right hon. Friend to seek Parliamentary powers to stop it?

Mr. Renton

This Question relates to the work of the Metropolitan Police and the supplementary question relates to the work of the provincial police, for whom my right hon. Friend cannot answer in this House.

Mr. Osborne

rose—

Mr. Anthony Greenwood

While appreciating the reasons given by the hon. and learned Gentleman, nevertheless the facts to which my hon. Friend has referred have caused a great deal of disquiet in various parts of the country. Can the Joint Under-Secretary consider discussing this matter at his next conference with the chief constables?