HC Deb 24 June 1982 vol 26 cc417-8
3. Sir William van Straubenzee

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the charge on public funds of the deployment of the Metropolitan Police during the recent visit of His Holiness the Pope.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Patrick Mayhew)

Additional police costs of the order of £290,000 were incurred by the Metropolitan Police as a result of the visit. The additional cost of civilian support services has yet to be quantified. The Roman Catholic Church will be charged for the policing of events which took place on private property.

Sir William van Straubenzee

I appreciate that these are substantial funds—I speak as an inner London ratepayer twice over—but does my hon. and learned Friend understand that this was one of the most remarkable visits that the capital has ever received? It was greatly uplifting and enlightening and was welcomed by a large number of people, not only members of the Roman Catholic Church or, indeed, any church at all.

Mr. Mayhew

My impression is that the Pope's visit was widely regarded throughout the country as having been a very good thing indeed.

Sir John Biggs-Davison

I played a minute part in raising funds towards the personal security of the Pope during his visit. Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that many Catholics would not wish there to be a heavy charge on general ratepayers as a result of this pastoral visit? However, this seems as worthy an expenditure of public funds as the expense of controlling CND and other such demonstrations.

Mr. Mayhew

I think that my hon. Friend's wish will be accommodated in accordance with the usual arrangements that apply in these respects.