§ Mr. Denzil Daviesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider whether the Metropolitan Police should assume responsibiity for the policing of Heathrow Airport; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsFollowing the escalation of terrorist violence against370W prosecutions have taken place in Manchester under the Rent Act 1965; and what has been the average fine or sentence in respect of convicted persons other than in cases of failure to provide 3 rent book.
§ Mr. Alexander W. LyonFollowing is the information:
Persons proceeded against at Manchester Magistrates' Court under the Rent Act 1965.
civil aviation I have considered with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade the arrangements for policing at Heathrow Airport. This is currently the responsibility of the British Airports Authority Constabulary but in its response to terrorism it has had to be increasingly supported by the greater resources of the Metropolitan Police. I do not consider that these duties can satisfactorily be divided from normal police work. As a result I have agreed that the Metropolitan Police should assume responsibility for all policing at Heathrow. The necessary consultations are in progress and legislation will be introduced in the near future with enabling powers to provide for the transfer of police responsibility at other airports should this become necessary.