§ 17. Mr. Fatchettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his most recent estimate of the cost of policing the mining dispute; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrittanFor the purpose of the Winter Supplementary Estimates we have estimated the additional expenditure up to the end of October at about £140 million.
§ 25. Mr. Meadowcroftasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the continuing coal industry dispute, what consultations he has had with chief constables in regard to contingency plans to maintain adequate police cover over the Christmas period; and what costs are involved.
§ Mr. Giles ShawMy right hon. and learned Friend has had no such consultations. The deployment of police officers is a matter for the chief officer of police concerned and I know that chief officers are well aware of the need to maintain adequate cover over the Christmas period.
§ 33. Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis to discuss the use of Metropolitan police during the miners' strike; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawMy right hon. and learned Friend has had no occasion to discuss this with the Commissioner.
§ 40. Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied with the protection available to those currently working in the mining industry.
§ Mr. Giles ShawMy right hon. and learned Friend is satisfied that chief constables are fully aware of the problem of intimidation and the need to protect those currently at work in the coal industry.