HC Deb 26 July 1985 vol 83 c830W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis on police operations in connection with the current industrial dispute at London and Essex Newspapers, London E.17; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I understand that the police attended the premises at the request of the occupier to prevent any possible breach of the peace. A trespasser left peacefully at the request of the police.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions are given to the Metropolitan police about entering private commercial property to act on behalf of employers in industrial disputes.

Mr. Giles Shaw

The police do not act on behalf of any party to an industrial dispute but they have a general duty' to uphold the law which may lead to their involvement in incidents connected with an industrial dispute. Various statutory powers of entry exist, and there are common law powers for the police to enter property to deal with or prevent a breach of the peace and save life or prevent serious damage to property.