Catalogue description Inquiry into the 1981 Brixton Disturbances (Scarman Inquiry): Evidence and Papers

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Details of HO 266
Reference: HO 266
Title: Inquiry into the 1981 Brixton Disturbances (Scarman Inquiry): Evidence and Papers
Description:

Transcripts of the public hearings held before Lord Justice Scarman to inquire into the disturbances in Brixton in April 1981, with circulated written evidence and other material. Video tapes of television programme coverage of the disturbances have been deposited with the National Film Archive.
Date: 1981
Held by: The National Archives, Kew
Legal status: Public Record(s)
Language: English
Creator:

Inquiry into the Brixton Disturbances, 1981-1981
Physical description: 141 files and film
Access conditions: Subject to 30 year closure unless otherwise stated
Administrative / biographical background:

On 14th April 1981 the Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Scarman was appointed by the Home Secretary "to inquire urgently into the serious disorder in Brixton on 10-12 April 1981 and to report, with the power to make recommendations".

The Inquiry was conducted in two phases: the first phase was concerned with the course of events and the immediate causes of the disorder for which a substantial amount of oral evidence was taken. The second phase consisted of written evidence and submissions followed by a hearing at Church House, Westminster from 2nd - 9th September.

The Report (Cmnd. 8427) was presented to Parliament in November 1981.

The series consists of transcripts of the public hearings and circulated written evidence. Video tapes of television programme coverage of the disorders have been deposited with the National Film Archive.

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