HC Deb 02 July 1964 vol 697 c271W
59. Mr. Curran

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many policemen were required to maintain order outside Transport House, Westminster, on Wednesday, 24th June.

61. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the action of the Metropolitan Police in dealing with a disturbance outside Transport House on Wednesday, 24th June.

Mr. Brooke

I am informed that from 9 a.m. between 150 and 200 members of the Young Socialist League gathered outside the entrances to Transport House. As delegates arrived for a meeting at 10 a.m., the demonstrators rushed forward aggressively and surrounded and jostled them. The police warned the demonstrators to disperse, since they were disturbing the peace, and when they refused to do so dispersed them, using the minimum of force.

The maintenance of public order is an ordinary police responsibility, and no special authority is required for necessary action to be taken. Twelve police officers were on duty near Transport House at 9 a.m. Reinforcements arrived about 9.30 a.m., and 61 officers were employed in all.