HC Deb 26 July 1968 vol 769 cc246-7W
Mr. A. Royle

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost to ratepayers and taxpayers of the overtime wages paid to the police for duty in connection with the meeting and march in the West End of London last Sunday, 21st July; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

373 of the police on duty in connection with the meeting and march in the West End on 21st July had their rest days postponed; under the provisions of the Police Regulations, if they cannot be given time off in lieu within three months they will be compensated by payment at the rate of time and one half. It would not be possible, without a disproportionate expenditure of time and effort, and extensive research, to establish the exact cost. Expenditure from the Metropolitan Police Fund is borne as; to one half by the Metropolitan ratepayers and as to the other half by the central Government, except for £500,000 paid by special central Government grant designed to meetinter alia the cost of protecting foreign embassies.