HC Deb 12 March 1970 vol 797 c1537
8. Mr. Peter M. Jackson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost to public funds of the surveillance undertaken by officers of the Metropolitan Police Force of the public meeting held in the Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, on 22nd January under the auspice of the Defence of Literature and the Arts Society.

Mr. Callaghan

I regret that I am not agreeable to giving an answer which would show whether or not police surveillance took place.

Mr. Jackson

Nevertheless, will not my right hon. Friend agree that members of the Obscene Publications Squad were present at this meeting, including Inspector Lough? Is he further aware that the meeting was addressed by my hon. Friend the Member for Ebbw Vale (Mr. Michael Foot), and does not he agree that the members of that squad would have received beneficial enlightenment from his address?

Mr. Callaghan

I object to my hon. Friend putting down fishing questions to find out who was present at the meeting, and that was why I gave the answer I did.