HC Deb 15 December 1983 vol 50 cc523-4W
Mr. Shersby

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the total cost, expressed in cash terms, of policing Greenham common airbase in each of the last four years.

Mr. Hurd

I understand that the Thames Valley police authority estimates the total cost of policing Greenham Common in the current financial year at some £3.7 million but that figures are not available for previous years.

Mr. Shersby

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the total cost, expressed in terms of the number of police hours worked, of policing Greenham common airbase in each of the last four years.

Mr. Hurd

I understand that the Thames Valley police estimate that the total number of man-hours spent on policing Greenham common in the current financial year will be more than 600,000 but that figures are not available for previous years.

Mr. Shersby

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the total numbers of arrests made in the course of policing Greenham common airbase in each of the last four years.

Mr. Hurd

The chief constable of Thames Valley tells me that in 1980 and 1981 there were no arrests. In 1982 there were 82 arrests, and by 12 December 1,027 arrests had been made in 1983.

Mr. Shersby

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers have been injured in the course of their duty when policing Greenham common airbase in each of the last four years.

Mr. Hurd

The chief constable of Thames Valley tells me that information about injuries to his officers is not generally held in the form requested. Thirty officers, from Thames Valley and elsewhere, are recorded as having been injured during the demonstrations at Greenham common on 11 December this year.

Mr. Key

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ask for a report on the arrangements made for the clothing and shelter of the police from all the constabularies sharing duties at Greenham common airbase; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hurd

I have asked for such a report and shall write to my hon. Friend when it is received.

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