§ Mr. Proctorasked the Prime Minister what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the European Parliament's committee of inquiry on alleged police violence during the current coal miners' dispute; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government regret that British Socialist Members have tried to drag purely domestic issues into the Parliament's affairs even though it has no responsibility for them. The Government also note that many other Members of the Parliament do not approve of this behaviour.
There is no question of our co-operating with this inquiry. There is no need for it. Police actions can be tested in the courts and complaints investigated under the Police Acts of 1964 and 1976. The general issues have been discussed several times in the House.