HC Deb 18 November 1976 vol 919 cc1546-7
6. Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has asked for a full report on incidents leading to the arrest of eight pickets outside the Grunwick film processing factory in North-West London; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis tells me that the nine people who were arrested by the police on 1st November have not yet been dealt with by the courts. It would, therefore, not be appropriate for me to comment.

Mr. Skinner

On a more general theme, does not my right hon. Friend agree that it is a scandal that in all these industrial incidents that take place year after year it is invariably those who are defending the rights of the workers who get arrested? Is it not high time that instructions or directives were given to the police to the effect that they have a duty to see that those in management who are paying low wages and twisting the employment laws of this country are tackled as well—and tackled first?

Mr. Rees

As long as it is understood that I am not talking about the case that my hon. Friend raised, I can say that generally there is a problem in this respect. I have always found in my own area that a great deal can be done by discussion and sorting-out in the first instance. I cannot comment on the case my hon. Friend has raised.