§ Mr. Fordasked the Secretary of State for the Environment who was responsible for engaging the stewards in connection with the resumed Aire Valley motorway inquiry; what is the cost; which firm or agency is employed; what instructions were given to them; and if he is satisfied that they conducted themselves with courtesy towards members of the public and elected representatives.
§ Mr. John SilkinStewards were engaged by the Department to assist the inspector in the orderly conduct of the inquiry. Apart from two civil servants, all the stewards employed on 3rd, 4th and 5th February were provided by a private security firm at a cost of approximately £1,900. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the instructions which were issued to them. I am satisfied that the stewards in question acted with reasonable courtesy and restraint in trying circumstances.