§ Mr. ShersbyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Chief Constable of Hertfordshire on the policing of an acid house party at Stochers Farm, Rickmansworth on 2 September and of the number of persons arrested and charged with an offence and the number of police officers deployed; and what policy guidance he is giving on the policing of such events with a view to maintaining the peace in the interests of local residents in the areas in which such parties take place.
§ Mr. Peter LloydI understand from the chief constable of Hertfordshire that a total of 36 people were arrested in connection with the event, one of whom was subsequently charged. The number of police officers deployed was 120. We welcome the vigorous action which the police have taken to deal with events of this kind. My right hon. Friend will shortly be discussing with chief officers of police the policing of these parties and the problems to which they have given rise.