§ Mrs. PeacockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will ensure that all police forces will have adequate equipment and manpower available to control unruly behaviour at European nations cup football matches; [27390]
(2) if he will ensure that water cannons will be available to police authorities in the United Kingdom to control unruly spectators attending the European nations cup football matches; [27392]
(3) if he will list the steps that have been and will be taken to ensure the safety of spectators at the European nations cup football matches to be held in the summer in England; and if he will make a statement. [27391]
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§ Mr. MacleanDecisions about the deployment of officers and the allocation of resources to police Euro 96 are the responsibility of the chief officers of the eight forces concerned. They must decide how many officers need to be deployed at matches and in surrounding public places. Chief officers are well used to policing football throughout the ordinary football season and are thus best placed to make decisions of this kind.
A joint Home Office and police working party has concluded that water cannon should not be added to the range of public order equipment available to the police This is because they are heavy and cumbersome and cannot be mobilised quickly to deal with spontaneous disorder.
The Association of Chief Police Officers has developed extensive plans for the policing of Euro 96, in conjunction with the Football Association and Government Departments. There will be police intelligence centres adjacent to the grounds with a national co-ordinating centre in central London. Police "spotters" will be used to identify troublemakers from home and abroad: very close liaison with the police forces of the participating countries is taking place and will continue throughout the period of the tournament. The latest technology is now in place and will be used to ensure that local police have up-to-date information about the movements of known and suspected hooligans.
The police strategy is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of the great majority of genuine and law abiding football supporters who will be coming to enjoy Euro 96. However, anyone intending to disrupt the competition and spoil the enjoyment of others can be assured they will be swiftly dealt with by the police, the prosecuting authorities and the courts.