§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what report he has receivel from the Chief Constable of Manchester about the demonstrations in Bolton on Friday 10th February, in particular in relation to the cost to public funds of the police operations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe Chief Constable of the Greater Manchester Police tells me that on the evening of 10th February 2,154 police officers were deployed to keep the peace on the occasion of a demonstration by some 3,500 people against a National Front meeting being held in Bolton Town Hall. During the demonstration 19 persons were arrested and one police officer was injured. Details of the cost of the police operation are not yet available.
§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if 434W he will list, for the Metropolitan Police Area, the number of demonstrations connected with racial matters that have taken place in the last five years; and how much of the cost fell upon taxpayers and ratepayers, respectively.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis tells me that in the five years ended 31st December 1977 2,185 public order events necessitated special police arrangements. It is not possible to distinguish the number of demonstrations which were connected with racial matters.
§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library the chief constables' reports and similar material made available to him arising from racial demonstrations.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesNo. It is a general principle of long standing that such reports to me by chief officers of police are not made public.