§ Mr. NellistTo 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 anti-poll tax march and rally in central London on 23 March with particular regard as to how many officers were deployed and at what cost to public funds; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe policing of demonstrations in the Metropolitan police area is an operational matter for the Commissioner. I understand from him that 4,950 officers were deployed to police the demonstration on 23 March against the community charge and that the additional cost of policing the event, including catering and transport costs, is estimated at around £205,000.