§ Lord Melchettasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will confirm that a number of uniform police officers involved in clearing a group of people from Shawforth Tip, Whitworth, Lancashire on 24th July 1980 were not displaying their numbers on their epaulettes.
§ Lord BelsteadI understand from the Chief Constable of Lancashire that it is a general requirement in his force for uniformed officers of the rank of sergeant and constable, other than motor-cyclists and dog handlers when wearing protective clothing, to wear numbers on their epaulettes. Any allegation that officers were not complying with the requirement on a particular occasion would be a matter for the chief constable.