§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ask for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis on the circumstances in which 25 policemen escorted National Front canvassers around the Loughborough Lane housing estate on Thursday 6th April in the forth-coming Lambeth Central by-election; if this police protection was sought by the National Front; what was the cost of this protection; and if the bill will be presented to the National Front.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis tells me that in connection with canvassing in the forthcoming by-election, police officers are deployed, as necessary, to preserve public order and to prevent possible breaches of the peace. The arrangements are an operational matter for the Commissioner.