HC Deb 13 February 1969 vol 777 cc1548-9
12. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he has issued to police forces on riot control.

Mr. Callaghan

There is standing machinery for discussion of operational matters of this kind between the Home Office and chief officers of police; but the general answer to my hon. Friend's Question is that, with my approval, the police have no intention of departing from their traditional methods when dealing with crowds and demonstrations.

Mr. Judd

Will my right hon. Friend agree that there is widespread admiration throughout the world, as well as in this country, for the record of the British police in crowd control, and will he continue to assure the police that the House will support them if they resist all temptation to take short cuts which are likely to become counter-productive.

Mr. Callaghan

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend. He has expressed a general view which is held not only in this country but outside. There are at the Police College courses for senior officers, which cover public order and the control of demonstrations. All officers in the Metropolitan Police district are given special training, and my hon. Friend may assume that they are well aware of the manner in which it is our general conclusion that they can best control the unruly minority who try their patience so sorely.

Mr. Clegg

Is the Home Secretary fully satisfied that the police have all the legal powers they need to deal with riots and disturbances on private property, in particular within the precincts of universities and other educational establishments?

Mr. Callaghan

That is another question. There are difficult matters concerning the law of trespass, but I am not persuaded that the police need any more powers to enter upon universities, nor am I satisfied that this is the best manner of handling that situation.