HC Deb 19 June 1984 vol 62 cc147-8W
Mr. Nellist

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will call for reports from the chief constables concerned as to how many arrests made since 14 March in connection with the miners' dispute were by (a) officers from the police force area concerned, and (b) officers from outside the police force area concerned; and if he will provide a breakdown of the nature of the charges in each case for (a) and (b).

Mr. Ancram

In the period from 14 March 1984 to 17 June 1984, both dates inclusive, the total numbers of arrests made in connection with the miners' dispute(a) by officers from the police force area concerned was 727; and (b) by officers from outside the police force area concerned was nil.

The majority of those arrested were charged by the police with breach of the peace and/or contravention of section 41 of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967 in connection with assaults on, or obstruction of, or hindrance of the police. Six persons were charged, respectively, with vandalism; assault; trespass; possession of an offensive weapon; contravention of section 2 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883 in connection with the throwing of a petrol bomb. Ten persons were charged with the same road traffic offence.

Mr. Nellist

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the occupations of those arrested in Scotland in connection with the miners' dispute up to and including 14 June in the same format as the reply of the Minister of State, the right hon. Member for Witney (Mr. Hurd), Official Report, 12 June, column 402.

Mr. Ancram

The following table gives the information available on the occupations of people arrested in connection with the miners' dispute in the period between 14 March and 14 June 1984 inclusive. Some 95 per cent. of those arrested were miners.

Occupation of person arrested Number of arrests
Miner 684
Bus Driver 2
Student 1
School Teacher 1
Labourer 12
YOP 1
Electrician 4
Engineer 2
Mining Engineer 2
Bricklayer 1
Unemployed 8
Total 743