HC Deb 30 July 1951 vol 491 c149W
Mr. S. Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent the cost of policing the South Bank Exhibition and Festival Gardens is being borne by the Metropolitan Police Fund; and what contribution is being received or will be received from the respective funds of these exhibitions.

Mr. Ede

The cost of the police employed within the South Bank site and Festival Gardens, which amounts to approximately£160 a day, with a slight addition for five extra men employed in the Gardens on Saturdays, will be claimed from the authorities concerned. Any other cost arising by reason of the existence of the Festival and Gardens, e.g., upon additional measures to deal with crowds and vehicles on the streets, will fall on the police fund.

Mr. S. Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why so many police are retained at the Festival Gardens in view of the fact that they could be advantageously employed elsewhere and in view of the shortage of police manpower.

Mr. Ede

Normally 22 police officers are employed daily inside the Gardens with five extra men on Saturdays, and in the view of the Commissioner of Police this number is no more than is necessary for the preservation of public order.