HC Deb 28 February 1980 vol 979 cc679-80W
Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what circumstances organisers of private rallies, meetings and demonstrations are asked to pay for police supervision; and how much was paid in this respect in 1979 and to date in 1980.

Mr. Brittan

The police are generally present at rallies, meetings and demonstrations, at the discretion of the chief officer of police, in order to discharge their duty to keep the peace and prevent offences. There is no power to charge for their services except where special services are provided at the request of the organisers of the event. Information as to payments made in these circumstances is not available.