asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many persons were arrested in Southend-on-Sea and at other seaside resorts, respectively, during the disturbances on Easter Monday; how many were subsequently prosecuted; and what was the range of penalties imposed on those found guilty of crimes and offences;(2) if he will call for a report from the chief constables concerned on the disturbances which took place at Southend-on-Sea and other seaside resorts on Easter Monday; and whether he will invite chief constables from the areas affected to discuss ways in which his Department can assist police forces in dealing with such holiday disturbances.

We understand from the chief constables of the forces concerned that considerable disturbance was caused in a number of resorts during clashes between rival groups of youths. The number arrested for various offences included 90 in Southend, 76 in Brighton, 62 in Weston-super-Mare, 40 in Margate, 29 in Scarborough, 28 in Clacton and six at Great Yarmouth; most have yet to appear in court.Arrangements for policing disturbances of this sort are an operational responsibility of the chief constables concerned. Our Department is in touch with them and we shall consider carefully any points they may wish to put to us on this matter.