HC Deb 21 March 1974 vol 870 cc1331-4
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Roy Jenkins)

With permission, Mr. Speaker, I would like to make a further statement about the attempt last night to kidnap Princess Anne.

I am glad to be able to inform the House that the four persons who were severely injured are not now considered to be in serious danger. As I said to the House last night, Princess Anne and Captain Phillips were unhurt.

As has been reported in the Press, the man who was apprehended by the police is Ian Sydney Ball, aged 26, who appeared at Bow Street Magistrates' Court this morning and was remanded in custody for a week on a charge of attempted murder. Police inquiries are continuing. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the many matters which may come in question in court proceedings.

I have this morning discussed with the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis and with my own advisers such action as it seems sensible to take at once to increase the safeguards already taken against attacks of this kind. The examination of the issues and the conclusions reached must remain confidential if they are to be effective in enabling us to achieve the greatest degree of security that can be obtained without an unacceptable interference with the ability of public figures to lead lives as near normal as possible.

Mr. Prior

The whole House will share in the great relief of the nation over the escape of Princess Anne and Captain Phillips from injury and in the fact that the four injured persons are not in serious danger and are expected to make a speedy recovery. We all agree that it is right that the conclusions of the inquiry should be confidential. Is he aware that the public will expect some further reassurance in general terms at the earliest possible date? Will he also give consideration to the question of publicity of the time and routes which Royal visits take to see whether this does not lead to unnecessary risks? Is there any evidence to support reports that major acts of terrorism are likely to be perpetrated against public figures this spring? Has he any evidence to support the view that this was one of them?

Mr. Jenkins

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for what he said and for his endorsement of what I am sure is right—that the conclusions must remain broadly confidential. If, after the review, or in the course of it, I can give any further reassurance, I will gladly do so. There is no indication at present that there was lax security on this occasion. It is very difficult to deal completely with isolated acts of this sort, although we were perhaps fortunate in the limited nature of the outcome.

I will, of course, give full consideration to the question of publicity to public appearances, timing and routes, but it is not possible for public figures to make public appearances as it were clandestinely.

It is important that I should not make any statement that bears on the trial, but, as I think has emerged, there is no present indication that this was other than an isolated act by an individual.

Mr. Lipton

My right hon. Friend knows that certain public figures by reason of their official duties are provided with police protection. Will he ensure that the cars used by these people are fitted with bullet-proof glass and with radio-telephonic methods of communication?

Mr. Jenkins

I will consider those two suggestions, but it is not altogether easy for bullet-proof glass to be used without the cars in which the public figures ride around taking on the nature of semiarmoured vehicles, and one would have to consider carefully whether that was desirable.

Radio-telephones can certainly also be considered, and they are used in certain circumstances for security purposes. In the incident last night unquestionably the personal two-way radio set of the constable on duty provided a faster means of communication than could have been provided by any radio-telephone.

Mr. Dykes

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the behaviour of Inspector Beaton, the protection officer for Her Royal Highness and Captain Mark Phillips, who resides in my constituency, has earned the admiration and respect of the whole country for an act of outstanding courage, as was also displayed by the other participants? Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that a closer look needs to be taken at several aspects—and I bear in mind his difficulties in answering this question—in our security protection for the Royal Family and other distinguished personages, namely, the training of chauffeurs in such emergency circumstances and the deterrent capability of their escort vehicles?

Mr. Jenkins

I am glad that the hon. Gentleman has drawn attention to the behaviour of his constituent which, together with that of the others involved, was exemplary. I am sure that what he says expresses the view of the whole House. The other matter to which he draws attention will be within review.

Mr. Lee

Presumably my right hon. Friend's view of this incident being an isolated one is tentative at the moment, but will he bear in mind that there is always the danger when acts of this kind happen that disturbed persons may resort to imitative tactics and that the next few weeks may be a time of particular danger to all public figures?

Mr. Jenkins

Yes, I will bear in mind that and other relevant considerations.

Mr. Tugendhat

The Home Secretary will be aware that my constituents are becoming increasingly accustomed in recent months to senseless acts of violence, but that this incident has caused an even greater shock than did some earlier ones. Will he convey the sym- pathy of the people of Westminster to those who were wounded in the incident, our congratulations to the police on their efficiency and bravery and our congratulations to Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips on their escape?

Mr. Jenkins

Yes, I will endeavour to do that. I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for speaking on behalf of his constituents in this central part of the Metropolis.