HC Deb 15 February 1990 vol 167 cc371-2W
Mr. Allan Stewart

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many police officers have been involved in the protection afforded to Mr. Salman Rushdie;

(2) what is his estimate of the cost of continuing the present special security measures for Mr. Salman Rushdie throughout the 1990–91 financial year;

(3) what is his latest estimate of the cost of the special security measures taken for Mr. Salman Rushdie.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

It would not be proper to disclose information about police protection which would indicate its nature and scale in a particular case.

Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it remains the policy of his Department to ensure that Mr. Rushdie receives full police protection regardless of cost as long as there remains a threat to his life; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

The need for protection is assessed by the police. It will continue for as long as is considered necessary, having regard to all of the circumstances.