asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of the west midlands as to the reasons why a demonstration at the Sandwell district hospital in West Bromwich on Friday 13 February was recorded on film by plain clothes police officers; and if he will make a statement.

I understand from the chief constable that video film of this demonstration, and of the related police operation, was taken primarily for debriefing and training purposes. If criminal acts had been committed, the film might also have been used in evidence. In the event there was no disorder. I understand that the police intend to erase the recording when the debriefing exercise has been completed.