§ 56. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the members of a deputation from the Aldermaston marchers to the Soviet Ambassador on 8th April were asked to give their names to police officers on leaving the Embassy; why they were only informed in subsequent discussion that they could decline to provide this information; and how far this is the 33W practice in the case of visitors to embassies in general and to the Soviet Embassy in particular.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerIt is the practice of the police to ask for the names of members of deputations visiting certain embassies at which disturbances have occurred on previous occasions. I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that there was no implication of compulsion to give the information on the occasion to which the hon. Member refers, and I am discussing the matter with the Commissioner.