
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, April 3, 1990                   TAG: 9004030438
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A9   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Los Angeles Times
DATELINE: LONDON                                LENGTH: Medium

BRITISH OFFICIALS TRADE BLAME FOR ANTI-TAX RIOTS

What began as an expression of mutual horror over weekend rioting in central London turned quickly to mutual recriminations in the House of Commons Monday as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's Conservatives traded thinly veiled accusations of political responsibility for the violence with the opposition Labor Party.

In a clear swipe at Thatcher's economic policies, Labor member of Parliament Tony Banks said that "extremists in the street need extremists in government."

But Home Secretary David Waddington called those lawmakers and about 30 of their colleagues "irresponsible" for supporting a campaign to boycott an unpopular new local tax scheme.

Some of their remarks in the Commons debate "could easily be interpreted . . . as an incitement to violence," he added.

The new levy, known here as a poll tax, has become a lightning rod for growing opposition to the Thatcher government.

It replaces local property taxes with a flat charge on every citizen over age 18, and opponents brand it a blatant giveaway to the rich at the expense of the poor.

Saturday's riot, which included what Waddington called "some of the most ferocious violence we have ever seen on the streets of London," occurred when hundreds of mostly young militants broke away from a peaceful demonstration, attacking police, smashing windows, looting stores and setting automobiles afire.

About 70 of the 339 people arrested during Saturday's riots appeared in court Monday charged with burglary, looting, theft and assault. The courts took a hard line with some of the 339 people already arrested.

Waddington said that 374 police officers were injured during the melee. He said that 86 civilians were hurt and that police had received 250 reports of property damage.

Both Conservative and Labor members of Parliament lashed out at the lawless minority that they said hijacked a peaceful demonstration, and they praised the work of nearly 2,200 police who took part in efforts to bring the situation under control.

by CNB