HC Deb 21 July 1976 vol 915 c485W
Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he is satisfied that his inspectors appointed to hold public meetings have sufficient power to be able to deal efficiently with persons deliberately disrupting their inquiries; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he will introduce appropriate legislation to make it a criminal offence deliberately to disrupt or to organise the disruption of a public inquiry held by one of his inspectors.

Dr. Gilbert

In maintaining order at public inquiries, inspectors are entitled to seek the co-operation of the police, who already have the necessary powers under the Public Meeting Act 1908 and the Public Order Act 1936.