§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will describe the role of (i) the central intelligence unit and (ii) A8 department of the Metropolitan police in relation to surveillance and the monitoring of political and community developments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawAfter the urban riots in 1981 all police forces were invited to develop systems for306W monitoring rises in community tension which might foreshadow serious public disorder. In London each district reports on a regular basis on the level of tension in the area. The central information unit in A8 branch and New Scotland Yard collates these district reports for senior management to consider whether action is required to prevent tension escalating into riots.