§ Mr. LivingstoneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of the police operation to remove the squatters from Rutland Park mansions on the morning of Sunday 12 December; how many officers were involved; how many people were arrested; what led officers to believe that there would be violence; what acts of violence were committed; and whether the cost of the operation will be recovered from Brent council.
§ Mr. Charles WardleI understand from the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police that approximate additional police costs, excluding the use of support services, for the operation were £11,000. A total of 373 Metropolitan police officers were present. The police role was to prevent a breach of the peace. Prior intelligence had indicated that stong resistance might be offered to the enforcement of the order. In the event, there were no arrests and no acts of violence were committed. The Metropolitan police regard the orderliness of the eviction as a measure150W of the effectiveness of the police operation. They do not intend to seek recovery of any of the costs of the operation from the London borough of Brent.