HC Deb 02 February 1971 vol 810 cc335-7W
Mrs. Renee Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, (1) if he will call for a report as to why members of the National Front who took part in a march in Wolverhampton in November, 1970, and who used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour within the meaning of the Public Order Act, 1936, were not arrested and charged;

(2) if he will call for a report as to why a man who took part in a march in Wolverhampton organised by the National Front in November, 1970, dressed up as an Indian and wearing a mock turban and carrying a placard with the words, "Repatriate me now", was not arrested and charged either under the Public Order Act or the Race Relations Act;

(3) if he will call for a report as to why persons taking part in a march in Wolverhampton organised by the National Front in November, 1970, who shouted insulting words to spectators on the pavement, were not arrested and charged under the Public Order Act or the Race Relations Act.

Mr. Sharples

The chief constable tells me that no incidents came to the notice of the police which in his view justified the institution of criminal proceedings against those who took part in the procession.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report as to how many members of the West Midlands Police Force were on duty in Wolverhampton on 28th November when the National Front organised a march through the town; how many of these were brought in specially to deal with accidents arising as a result of the march; from which towns they were drawn; and what was the total cost of the police personnel so used on 28th November, including any overtime.

Mr. Sharples

The chief constable tells me that 115 officers of the West Midlands Constabulary were on duty in connection with two processions, one of which was organised by the National Front, in Wolverhampton on 28th November. This total includes two contingents, each of 10 men, drawn from the Dudley and Walsall divisions of the force. No additional costs were involved.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will order an inquiry into all the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Mr. Colin Randall on 28th November, and into the reasons why no members of the National Front who committed offences under the Public Order Act and the Race Relations Act were arrested and charged.

Mr. Sharples

No.