§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many special patrol group units were present at the picket outside News International premises at Wapping on 15 February; and how many of the special patrol group officers present were equipped with firearms.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI understand from the Commissioner that eight units of the special patrol group were deployed at Wapping on 15 February. None of the officers was equipped with a firearm.
§ Mr. Redmondasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis as to the cost to date of policing the industrial dispute at Wapping; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the additional costs incurred by the Metropolitan police in policing the News International dispute at Wapping are estimated at some £200,000.