HC Deb 18 March 1985 vol 75 cc353-5W
Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Chief

Constable of Cambridgeshire on his plans to issue identification cards to the residents of Molesworth; and if he will make a statement on the substance of the report

Mr. Giles Shaw

I understand from the Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire that vehicle identification discs are being issued to local residents so that the police can distinguish their vehicles. This will help to lessen the disruption and inconvenience to the local community arising from demonstrations at Molesworth, and is similar to arrangements made in the vicinity of certain football grounds on match days.

Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Cambridgeshire constabulary on the cost of the recent operation at RAF Molesworth; and if he has received any request from the Cambridgeshire or any other constabulary for financial assistance in connection with security at Molesworth.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I understand that the Cambridgeshire police authority estimates the additional costs of policing RAF Molesworth in the period 5 to 10 February to be some £360,000. Following an approach from Cambridgeshire county council my right hon. and learned Friend has told the police authority that special financial help will be made available, on the same terms as the special payment which we are making for the additional costs of policing the miners' dispute, to meet the additional costs of policing mass demonstrations at RAF Molesworth and Alconbury in the financial year 1985–86.