HC Deb 26 November 1981 vol 13 cc441-2W
41. Mr. Torney

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Greater Manchester on whether officers of his force were informed in advance that helicopters would be used to remove items from the premises of Laurence Scott and Electromotors Ltd., Openshaw; whether additional police were brought into the area shortly before the removal of the items; and how many officers and for what purpose.

Mr. Mayhew

The chief constable has informed me that the police had advance notice of the operation but were not in any way involved in its planning. The deployment of his officers is, of course, an operational matter for him. A greater number of officers than had usually been required at the premises were present outside to maintain the peace and to prevent criminal offences. There were 100 officers present, including eight mounted officers.