HC Deb 20 December 1979 vol 976 cc289-90W
Mr. Ernie Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis regard- ing the anti-National Front march from Shoreditch church to the town hall, Mare Street, Hackney, on the evening of 3 December 1979; how many police were involved in escorting the march; and what was the cost of policing this event (a) to the local authority, and (b) to central Government.

Mr. Brittan

My right hon. Friend does not propose to call for a report, but I understand from the Commissioner that 1,631 officers were deployed to police this event, of whom 783 escorted the march. The cost, which ranks for grant in the normal way, could be calculated only at disproportionate expense.