HC Deb 23 April 1985 vol 77 cc388-9W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will have discussions with chief constables concerning methods of protecting persons peacefully taking part in demonstrations from violent assault by gangs.

Mr. Giles Shaw

It is already the usual practice for the police to discuss with the organisers of a demonstration the plans for the event. If the organisers fear that an otherwise peaceful demonstration is likely to be violently disrupted, they can raise this with the police so that appropriate precautions can be taken.