Written question asked by Andrew Dismore (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 April 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 May 2004. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Thursday, 20 May 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the cost has been of policing the meetings outside the North London Mosque on Fridays (a) on average per meeting and (b) in total. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost has been of policing the meetings outside the North London Mosque on Fridays (a) on average per meeting and (b) in total. [169780] Ms Blears: The Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis informs me that in general no additional policing costs have been incurred in routine policing of the meetings. The officers used to police the meetings have been drawn from non-operational staff in police support roles. This approach has ensured that there has been no reduction in the number of officers on Response Teams. On a few occasions, demonstrations opposed to the meetings have required additional police resources. The Metropolitan Police Authority would be expected to meet any extra costs from its £2.3 billion budget.

Secondary information