HL Deb 17 April 1989 vol 506 cc542-3

2.42 p.m.

Lord Taylor of Blackburn asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the cost of security at the Conservative Party conference at Scarborough in March of this year, and who paid it.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)

My Lords, the additional costs of policing the Conservative Party's central council meeting are estimated at about £40,000. The cost of that will be met by the North Yorkshire Police Authority under the normal police funding arrangements. The Government contribute both directly through police grant—which is at 51 per cent. — and indirectly through block grant.

Lord Taylor of Blackburn

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that Answer. Does he not believe that, in view of the increased cost of securing conferences of all parties, the cost should now be borne by the national Exchequer and not by the local authority in whose area a conference is held?

Earl Ferrers

My Lords, no, I do not think so. Forces have to meet requirements of national as well as local significance. Special payments have been made to police forces only in exceptional circumstances, generally of an unforeseen nature, when the efficiency of the police force would otherwise have been threatened. I do not believe that the event referred to in the noble Lord's Question comes within that category.