HC Deb 31 January 1985 vol 72 c408
16. Mr. Squire

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the latest figure for numbers of police hurt in policing the coal mining dispute.

Mr. Brittan

Between 13 March last year and 30 January this year inclusive 1,333 police officers were injured in incidents connected with the policing of the miners' dispute.

Mr. Squire

Will my right hon. and learned Friend confirm that these figures are disgraceful and that in almost any year other than the last one they would have met with universal condemnation by every hon. Member? It is sad they do not now.

Mr. Brittan

They are disgraceful and I believe that they do meet with virtually universal condemnation.

17. Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers have been disciplined as a result of actions in relation to the policing of the miners' strike.

Mr. Giles Shaw

Information is not yet available centrally. I understand however, that the Police Complaints Board will include in its annual report for 1984 statistics on the number of investigation reports received by it which it has identified as dealing with complaints arising from the policing of the miners' strike and on the outcome of the investigation.

Mrs. Clwyd

Does the Minister agree that while an investigation against a police officer is taking place that officer should not be allowed back on the picket lines, since investigations tend to take months rather than weeks? May we have that assurance?

Mr. Shaw

I understand the hon. Lady's point, but that is a matter for the individual chief constables. I shall consider the matter if the hon. Lady writes to me.