HC Deb 28 November 1988 vol 142 cc75-6W
Mr. Chris Smith

To ask 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 how many(a) police vans, (b) police officers, (c) boats, (d) helicopters and (e) horses were deployed by the Commissioner of Police in responding to the demonstration of students in and around Westminster on the afternoon of Thursday 24 November; and what was the cost to public funds of the operation.

Mr. Hurd

I understand from the Commissioner that the information is as follows:

Numbers
Police vans 36
Police officers 1,500
Boats 2
Helicopters 1
Horses 47

I shall reply on the matter of additional costs as soon as possible.

Mr. Chris Smith

To ask 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 which officer was in overall charge of police strategy and tactics on the afternoon of Thursday 24 November in deciding the police response to the demonstration of students in and around Westminster, and as to who gave the order for a charge of mounted police to take place across Westminster bridge and as to what prior warning was given to demonstrators before this charge occurred.

Mr. Hurd

I understand from the Commissioner that the senior officer in overall charge at the scene of the demonstration was the deputy assistant commissioner of No. 8 area. It was the commander (operations) No. 8 area who authorised the advance of mounted officers on Westminster bridge. He did so only after repeated announcements by megaphone that this action would be taken if the demonstrators failed to disperse.