§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Thames Valley police into the reasons why the press was given full details of "Operation Major" in Oxford on 2 September 1982; at what stage in the operation the press was so informed; at what level the decision to inform the press was taken; and whether any instructions were given to withhold information about the names of people held from relatives making inquiries at the police station.
§ Mr. MayhewI understand from the chief constable of the Thames Valley police that it is the normal policy of his force to hold a press conference about an operation of public interest, such as "Operation Major". The press conference was held at 2 pm on 2 September.
As to communication with relatives, the chief constable tells us that his officers acted in accordance with the provisions of section 62 of the Criminal Law Act 1977.
§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, following "Operation Major" in Oxford, neither of the two landlords involved was prosecuted.
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§ Mr. MayhewI understand from the chief constable of the Thames Valley police that there was not evidence to justify proceedings against them.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were arrested during "Operation Major"; how many were charged; and with what result.
§ Mr. MayhewI understand from the chief constable of Thames Valley police that in "Operation Major" 283 persons were arrested, of whom 179 were charged. Of those charged, 150 received immediate custodial sentences, three received suspended sentences, two were placed on probation and 18 were acquitted. Six cases are still outstanding.