§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what circumstances the police are allowed to charge for the costs of providing police escorts or police attendance at functions organised by non-statutory bodies for which advance notice of crowd control requirements have been notified; and if he is satisfied with the present arrangements.
§ Mr. MayhewThe practice of charging for the attendance of police officers is governed by section 15 of the Police Act 1964, which provides that a charge may be made by the police authority if the chief officer of police150W has been requested to provide, and has provided, special services at any place. "Special services" are services which would not normally be provided in pursuance of the general duty of the police to preserve law and order. My right hon. Friend is considering whether, additionally, demonstrators should be required to meet the costs of policing their demonstrations, as part of his review of the Public Order Act 1936 and related legislation.