Written question asked by Ann Widdecombe (Conservative) on Tuesday, 9 May 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 12 May 2000. It was answered by Jack Straw (Labour) on Friday, 12 May 2000 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his Answers of 8th May, 349 c314W, on the disorder in central London on 1st May, what meetings were held prior to 1st May between the Metropolitan Police and the Royal Parks Agency regarding the protection of the statues in Parliament Square; who was the most senior Metropolitan Police officer present at each such meeting; what advice the Royal Parks Agency received from the Metropolitan Police concerning boarding up the statues; who was the most senior Metropolitan Police officer who authorised the giving of such advice; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Miss Widdecombe: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answers of 8 May 2000, Official Report, column 314W, on the disorder in central London on 1 May, what meetings were held prior to 1 May between the Metropolitan police and the Royal Parks Agency regarding the protection of the statues in Parliament Square; who was the most senior Metropolitan police officer present at each such meeting; what advice the Royal Parks Agency received from the Metropolitan police concerning boarding up the statues; who was the most senior Metropolitan police officer who authorised the giving of such advice; and if he will make a statement. [122031] Mr. Straw: The Metropolitan police inform me that one formal meeting was held with the Royal Parks Agency and several phone calls were made. A member of the central planning team attended the meeting under the directions of the event commander, who on this occasion was Commander Messinger. The available information and intelligence was shared with the Agency.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 122031; 349 c521W
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Demonstrations Greater London Protection Parliament Square Metropolitan Police Public statues Civil disorder Royal Parks Agency
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk