§ 65 and 66. Mr. Boscawenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will call for a report from the Chief Constable as to how many persons were arrested by police officers at or near the site of the Pilton Pop Festival, Shepton Mallet, between 19th and 25th June, 1971, inclusive; and how many of these arrests were for being in possession of dangerous drugs with intent to sell or distribute them;
(2) if he will call for a report from the Chief Constable on how many of the arrests at the Pilton Pop Festival, Shepton Mallet, were for being under the influence of dangerous drugs on private property, for being found in possession of dangerous drugs on private property and for owners of private property allowing dangerous drugs to be possessed or consumed on their property, respectively.
§ Mr. SharplesThe Chief Constable tells me that 11 persons were arrested, and that eight of these arrests were on suspicion of offences conected with the unlawful possession of controlled drugs.
§ Mr. Boscawenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable on how many of the arrests at the Pilton Pop Festival, Shepton Mallet, were for promoters of this festival allowing dangerous drugs to be possessed or consumed on the site of this festival.
§ Mr. SharplesNone.
§ Mr. Boscawenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will call for a report from the chief constable on why police officers were hampered in their duty of searching for drugs by the promoters of the Pilton Pop Festival, Shepton Mallet, and why young persons under the age of 17 were able to enter the site of this festival without any restriction and were offered drugs by strangers; and what action was taken;
(2) if he is satisfied that his recommendations to chief officers of police authorities concerning drug offences were carried out satisfactorily at the Pilton Pop Festival, Shepton Mallet; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. SharplesA report has been called for and I will write to my hon. Friend when I have considered it.