§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief 297W constable of Merseyside concerning incidents of public disorder involving Sikhs which occurred in Liverpool on Friday 8 June; and if he will make a statement on the substance of the report.
§ Mr. HurdThe chief constable tells me that at 1.15 pm on 8 June, about 450 sikhs gathered outside the office of the assistant Indian high commissioner in Liverpool. A petition was handed in at the office, and the demonstration continued some 20 yd. away. An Indian national flag was burned. Stones, and two petrol bombs, were thrown in the direction of the building, there was no damage. The demonstrators dispersed after about three hours. Police officers were present in some numbers. There were four arrests. Two people have been charged with offences contrary to section 2 of the Explosives Substances Act 1883, and two others with assaulting a police officer and conduct conducive to a breach of the peace. Four police officers incurred minor injuries. There is in this country a freedom of demonstration within the law, and the motive for a demonstration provides no immunity from the law.
§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of the west midlands concerning incidents of public disorder involving Sikhs which occurred in Birmingham on Friday 8 June; and if he will make a statement on the substance of the report.
§ Mr. HurdThe only event in Birmingham on 8 June currently known to have involved Sikhs was a demonstration in the morning by about 300 people, outside the office of the assistant Indian high commissioner. This event passed without incident.