HC Deb 13 March 1980 vol 980 c650W
Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis on the numbers of policemen deployed to control the demonstrations in London on 9 March; how many were held in reserve; and on what criteria these numbers were chosen.

Mr. Brittan

I understand from the commissioner that, including reserves, 1,814 police officers were on duty for the TUC rally on 9 March; the number of officers held in reserve varied throughout the day. The decision on numbers was a matter for professional police judgment.