§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what efforts are being made to keep a record of the total cost of policing the current dispute in the mining industry.
§ Mr. HurdWe are not seeking to keep a running record of these costs, though it may be necessary to assess the total cost when the dispute is over.
§ Ms. Clare Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many and which police authorities have indicated their unwillingness to send members of their force to other police areas to assist in duties connected with the miners' dispute.
§ Mr. HurdThe provision of assistance from one police force to another is a matter for the chief officers of police concerned. Since the dispute began all forces not directly involved have provided assistance to forces having to perform policing duties in relation to the dispute.
§ Mr. Nellistasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide what information he has as to the nature of offences with which those arrested have been charged in the case of the 1,908 arrests referred to in his reply to the hon. Member for Coventry, South-East on Monday 14 May, Official Report, column 5.
§ Mr. HurdAs I explained in my reply on 14 May, at column 5, the comprehensive information available centrally relates to the numbers of arrests in connection with the miners' dispute during the period specified but not the nature of any subsequent charges. I have asked chief officers to provide information about the nature of charges brought, and will reply further when that has been received, and collated.