British Movement (Demonstration)

HC Deb 01 December 1980 vol 995 cc21-2W

Mr. Kenneth Baker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of the policing and controlling of the British Movement rally in London on Sunday 23 November.

Mr. Brittan

The Commissioner estimates that the cost was £209,000.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many arrests were made during the demonstrations in London on Sunday 23 November 1980 by the British Movement and the counter-demonstration by the Communists; and what was the charge in each case.

Mr. Brittan

Seventy-six, of which 49 resulted in charges of using threatening words or behaviour; six of obstructing the highway; 15 of obstructing the police; tree of possessing an offensive weapon; two of offences against the person; and one of defacing a wall.

Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many members of the Metropolitan Police took part in policing the march by the British Movement in Paddington on 23 November and the counter-demonstration; and what is the estimated cost of this operation.

Mr. Brittan

3,400; £209,000.