§ Mr. TraceyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis on the cost of policing the students' march in London on 15 February; which roads were closed and between what hours; how many arrests were made; and whether he will consider issuing instructions to the Commissioner banning large marches on public roads during weekdays.
§ Mr. Peter LloydI understand from the Commissioner that on 15 February, between 12.45 pm and 2.40 pm, approximately 18,000 students marched from Battersea park to Hyde park. Some roads along the route were closed for a period as the march progressed, but information about the length of time particular roads were closed is not available. There were nine arrests during the march.
Section 12 of the Public Order Act 1986 enables the police to impose conditions on persons organising or taking part in a public procession if they reasonably believe it may result in serious public disorder, serious damage to property, serious disruption to the life of the community, or if its purpose is to coerce. In London any decision to impose conditions under the section is an operational matter for the Commissioner alone to decide.
I will write to my hon. Friend when information on the additional cost of policing the march is available.