HC Deb 24 July 1986 vol 102 cc385-6W
55. Mr. Nellist

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is now the total number of arrests at Wapping in connection with the print workers' dispute.

Mr. Giles Shaw

1,098 up to today.

Mr. Shore

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis first gave directions under section 52 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839, enabling the police to restrict pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the whole of the London borough of Tower Hamlets in connection with the industrial dispute at the News International plant in Wapping; and whether these directions are still in force;

(2) what consultations the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis had with Tower Hamlets borough council and with his Department before making directions under section 52 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839;

(3) on what basis the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis determined that his directions under section 52 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839 should cover the entire borough of Tower Hamlets;

(4) how many people have been, or are being, prosecuted for failing to comply with the Commissioner's directions relating to Tower Hamlets under the Metropolitan Police Act 1839;

(5) how many of the people arrested for failing to comply with the Commissioner's directions relating to Tower Hamlets under the Metropolitan Police Act 1839 are normally resident in the London borough of Tower Hamlets.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I understand from the Commissioner that directions under section 52 of the 1839 Act in connection with this dispute continue to apply. Directions were first issued on 22 January. The giving of such directions is entirely a matter for the Commissioner, and he does not require my right hon. Friend's consent or that of the borough council. The Commissioner informs me that it is necessary to include all streets in the borough in order to facilitate the policing of demonstrations held at Wapping both near and at some distance from the News International plant. Failure to comply with the Commissioner's directions, which are issued to police officers, is not in itself a criminal offence, though a refusal to comply with police instructions issued in pursuance of the directions could, in certain circumstances, constitute an offence. Information about any arrests or prosecutions in connection with such offences is not readily available.

Mr. Kaufman

asked the Secretary State for the Home Department if he will, further to his answer of 10 July, Official Report, column 225, update to the latest date for which figures are available the figures on the cost of police action at Wapping, the number of officers deployed and the police man hours spent.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I shall reply as soon as possible.