HC Deb 03 July 1985 vol 82 cc158-9W
Mr. Butterfill

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has anything to add to his statement to the House of 25 June, Official Report, columns 774–75, regarding the preventive security operation being co-ordinated by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Brittan

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, whom I had asked to coordinate the inquiries being undertaken by a number of police forces in England, Wales and Scotland in connection with this matter, announced yesterday that the police were now satisfied that the slight possibility of bombs having been placed in certain towns no longer existed. The terms of the statement which he issued was as followsFollowing the discovery of a bomb in the Ruebens Hotel, London, on 23rd June, the public was warned of "a slight possibility" of further bombs having been placed in certain towns. As a result of further developments the police are now satisfied that this particular threat has been removed. However, they cannot rule out the possibility of a random retaliatory attack and there is a need for continued vigilance by members of the public. Police operations will now be reduced although members of the public may still experience some occasional inconvenience as the emphasis changes from large scale investigation and search to routine measures of prevention designed to forestall any future attack. The continued cooperation of the public is much appreciated

A number of people have now been charged with serious criminal offences in connection with the events referred to in my earlier statement. It would therefore not be appropriate for me to give further details.