HC Deb 10 November 1988 vol 140 cc309-10W
29. Mr. Nellist

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will call for a report from the Royal Ulster Constabulary Chief Constable as to the circumstances of the arrest of trade unionists at the Chelsea Girl shop in Belfast on Saturday 15 October; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ian Stewart

I have been informed that 15 persons were arrested on 15 October for public order offences including obstruction and disorderly behaviour. They were released without charge pending the directions of the Director of Public Prosecutions. The arrests were made after the individuals refused to disperse when required to do so by the police. I understand that those arrested were not formally connected with the industrial dispute, and that the official pickets operated in an orderly manner throughout the incident.