HC Deb 21 July 1969 vol 787 cc264-5W
85. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will receive a deputation from the Redbridge Borough Council and the Metropolitan Police to discuss the measures to be taken to deal with the continuing unlawful occupation of public property by agents of the London Squatters' Association;

(2) if he will introduce legislation to enable public property and officers and representatives to be properly protected by the police.

Mr. Callaghan

I am always ready to discuss problems that involve the police; but their responsibility is to enforce the criminal law and prevent breaches of the peace, not to deal with trespass, and I do not contemplate legislation to enlarge their responsibilities in this field.