§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis as to why passengers alighting at Fulham Broadway Underground station on Saturday afternoon 21 March were filmed by the police, as to what use has been made of the films, and as to whether the films are available to those filmed for viewing.
§ Mr. David MitchellNo. The British Transport police's open use of hand-held camera equipment at Underground stations is an important and integral part of the measures agreed between the Government, the police and the football authorities to combat hooliganism associated with football. The procedure is complementary to the use of closed circuit television operated by police forces at all574W first and second division League football grounds; the aim being to deter troublemakers and assist the police in their public order and public safety duties.
I understand that BTP's camera was in use on 21 March because of the high proportion of supporters using the Underground to attend the West Ham versus Chelsea fixture. No trouble amongst the supporters occurred and the film was wiped clean.