§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government to state what steps are being taken to provide the greatest possible assistance to and co-operation with the police by Her Majesty's loyal subjects in combating organised violence and indiscriminate murder.
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD HARRIS OF GREENWICH)My Lords, in a society such as ours the police depend on the support and cooperation of the population at large. My right honourable friend has repeatedly emphasised, in connection with recent bomb outrages, how important it is that everyone, including especially those who have responsibility for premises which the public use, should be alert for anything suspicious and should immediately contact the police. In the present situation there is no substitute for constant vigilance.
§ LORD HALEMy Lords, while finding myself in very rare agreement with that Answer, may I venture to ask the noble Lord whether it goes far enough? Would it not be very greatly in the public interest if some of the unnecessary burdens placed upon the police were removed by voluntary agreement? I think, for instance, of the voluntary association of marchers across London by the Panzer Anguilla movement, or demonstrations in Trafalgar Square, which cause hindrance to traffic, trying to soften the heart of Mr. Brezhnev. And, indeed, if British Rail are going to continue to run football specials they might consider whether their own police could deal with the consequent 1488 destruction and relegation of the damaged trains to the Orpington line. I hope the noble Lord will consider this suggestion, will promise to discuss the various problems with the police, and will try to give them the fullest co-operation. Perhaps he might recall Kipling's fairly well-known words—which I paraphrase
Then it's Bobby this, and Bobby that, And Bobby 'ow's yer soul, But it's "thin blue line of 'eroes when The drums begin to roll.
§ LORD HARRIS OF GREENWICHMy Lords, there is no doubt that if there were a reduction in the number of demonstrations in Central London there would be a significant effect on the present pressures on the police. If my noble friend is looking for particular ways in which some of these pressures on the police could be relieved, one way is to encourage the recruitment of more people, more volunteers, for the Special Constabulary. In the present situation, I hope people will seriously consider what I have said.
LORD INGLEWOODMy Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether he is satisfied that the Police Federation are showing full co-operation with this thoroughly good movement at this special time to recruit in the Special Constabulary? At the moment, I believe that Special Constables are far below strength.
§ LORD HARRIS OF GREENWICHMy Lords, there has been a substantial increase in the number of Special Constables in London. There has been an increase of 25 per cent. over the past year.
LORD CHELWOODMy Lords, will Her Majesty's Government consider the need to redefine by Statute the duties of local authorities where peacetime emergencies are concerned, with particular reference not only to Special Constables but to the possibility of making far greater use of volunteers in other fields as well? That would rule out the necessity for private armies which appear to be springing up.
§ LORD HARRIS OF GREENWICHMy Lords, I would simply repeat my earlier statement that the most useful action a citizen can take to assist us in the present situation is to join the Special Constabulary.