HC Deb 13 November 1981 vol 12 cc194-5W
Mr. Marlow

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to restrict the number of pickets at an industrial dispute to a level which does not constitute intimidation.

Mr. Mayhew

The police already have powers under the common law to restrict the number of pickets at any one place where they have reasonable cause to apprehend that, for example by reason of the pickets' numbers or intimidatory behaviour, a breach of the peace may occur. The exercise of their powers on any particular occasion is rightly a matter for the operational discretion of the police.