Questions from the public

Report: 3
Date: 14 June 2001
By: Clerk

Summary

Members are requested, in accordance with the Authority's Standing Orders, to hear a question from two members of the public relating to the policing of the May Day demonstration.

A. Recommendation

That the Authority hears questions from two members of the public relating to the May Day demonstration and responds in accordance with Standing Orders.

B. Supporting information

1. Written notice was received by Clerk of the Authority from Ms Lois Austin and Ms Samantha Dias to put to this meeting of the Authority questions relating to the policing of May Day demonstrations. A copy of the questions are given at Appendix 1.

2. Standing Orders 15 gives the process for receiving question at Authority meetings:

15. Questions from the Public

• Any member of the public may ask questions of the Police Authority which are relevant to its business. However, to allow an opportunity to obtain any information sought in order that a meaningful response may be given, written notice should be given to the Clerk to the Police Authority not less than 14 days before a meeting of the Authority.
• As soon as such questions are received, the appropriate officer(s) involved in responding should be given a copy and requested to prepare an answer. Every reasonable effort should be made to ensure that questions are answered fully but concisely.
• Any question(s) shall be included on the agenda for the meeting, in the order of receipt, as the next item of business after the approval of the minutes of the last meeting, and must be addressed to the Chairman. The Chairman will then invite the appropriate officer or Member of the Authority to respond. All questions shall be put and answered without discussion. Arising from such questions if Members want a report, or an issue to be debated, then they must use existing procedures to ensure that at the following meeting the item is raised.
• With regard to those questions that involve the disclosure of exempt information, if part of the answer can be given in public, then that should be done. However, if that is not the case or the answer is clearly inadequate, then the questioner must be told that there will be no answer available and why, prior to the meeting, and the question will not be put on the agenda.
• The person asking the question shall be given the opportunity of attending the meeting to put the question, but if not present the answer as reported to the Authority shall be sent to such persons following the meeting. If the questioner is in attendance the appropriate officer and/or Member shall meet, him or her the questioner to discuss any further concerns he or she may have and to clarify any answer given, if necessary.
• The Chairman may use discretion to limit the number of questions asked by members of the public in order to avoid disruption of the business of the Police Authority. In any event the total time allowed for public question and answers shall not exceed 30 minutes. A maximum of three questions per person per year may be heard. Any questions that remain unanswered within the timescale shall receive written responses only.

C. Financial implications

There are no financial implications relating to this report.

D. Background papers

None.

E. Contact details

The author of this report is Nick Baker.

For information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

Appendix 1

Question from Lois Austin
See minutes to MPA meeting 14 June 2001 for the response to these questions.

'What role did the Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority and other members have in discussing tactics in relation to the policing of the 1st May protests held in London?
What intelligence, other than obtained on the internet, was used to formulate the police tactics adopted during the May 1st protests?
Who was responsible for briefing the media in relation to police operations during May 1st protests in London, was it:

• the Mayor's office;
• the Metropolitan Police;
• the Metropolitan Police Authority;
• was there a co-ordinated approach adopted by which the content of press releases and briefings were agreed between any of the above parties?'

Question from Samantha Dias
See minutes to MPA meeting 14 June 2001 for the response to these questions.

'How many offensive weapons were retrieved on dispersal of those detained in Oxford Circus and Euston?
What legal advice was received by the Metropolitan Police and relied upon as to the legality of the prolonged containment of protestors on May 2001?
Were any discussions held in relation to police operations during May 1st protests in London between the Home Office and:

• the Mayor's office;
• the Metropolitan Police;
• the Metropolitan Police Authority;
• was there a co-ordinated approach adopted between any of the above parties?'

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