§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions in each of the last four years the metropolitan police has invited representatives of the media to be present at the scene of(a) a raid and (b) an arrest. [19048]
§ Mr. Michael[holding answer 8 December 1997]The Commissioner informs me that the information requested on the number of occasions the Metropolitan Police has invited the media to be present at the scene of a raid or an arrest is not readily available and could be only obtained at disproportionate cost.
He tells me that on occasions when Metropolitan Police operations are a matter of public interest the media may be invited to accompany the police on raids. On some of these occasions, arrests may take place. The Commissioner says that if the Metropolitan Police decides to invite the media to attend, their involvement is strictly controlled and carefully planned.
§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when Wiltshire Constabulary were asked to collaborate with the Metropolitan Police in the raid on the Rectory at Donhead St. Andrews on 21 November. [19050]
§ Mr. Michael[holding answer 8 December 1997]The Chief Constable of Wiltshire Constabulary informs me that Wiltshire Constabulary were requested to participate in the inquiry on 13 October 1997. The request came from Sussex Police.
§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the media representatives who were invited by(a) the Wiltshire Constabulary and (b) the Metropolitan Police to be present at the police raid on the Rectory at Donhead St. Andrews on 21 November. [19049]
§ Mr. Michael[holding answer 8 December 1997]I am told by the Chief Constable of Wiltshire Constabulary and the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police that no representatives of the media were invited to be present at the raid on the Rectory at Donhead St. Andrews on 21 November.