HC Deb 14 December 1984 vol 69 cc641-2W
Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has issued any guidance to chief constables about the use of their powers enabling them to seek to limit the number of people picketing at any particular entry to a place of work.

Mr. Giles Shaw

No. I am satisfied that chief officers of police are aware of the relevant law and police powers, to which my right hon. and learned Friend referred in his statement on picketing at collieries on 15 March, at columns 512–21, and of which my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General gave a full account in his reply on 26 March, at columns 21–22, to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for South Hams (Mr. Steen).

Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps have been taken by chief constables to enable pickets to communicate information to drivers of vehicles.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I understand that the practice of the police has varied according to local circumstances. But in any event there is no obligation on drivers to stop to receive such information if they do not wish to do so.