HC Deb 27 October 1959 vol 612 cc45-6

Motion made, and Question proposed, That the Commissioner of the Police of the Metropolis do take care that during the Session of Parliament the passages through the streets leading to this House be kept free and open, and that no obstruction be permitted to hinder the passage of Members to and from this House, and that no disorder be allowed in Westminster Hall, or in the passages leading to this House, during the Sitting of Parliament, and that there be no annoyance therein or thereabouts; and that the Serjeant at Arms attending this House do communicate this Order to the Commissioner aforesaid.

Mrs. E. M. Braddock (Liverpool, Exchange)

Mr. Speaker, on this particular matter—

Mr. Speaker

Has the hon. Lady a point of order?

Mrs. Braddock

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Speaker

What is it?

Mrs. Braddock

I wish to raise the matter of the opportunities which Members have to cross the road from Whitehall to the entrance to the House. I understand that in the Order it is required that the police shall give passage to Members from one side of the road to the other.

I understand that the Order was made very many years ago, when the traffic situation was not as it is today. Today, it is very often quite impossible for the police or for anyone else to know that a Member is standing waiting to cross, and the police officers have to control three different sections at that particular crossing.

I was wondering whether, in view of the fact that the traffic situation has altered so much, you could have inquiries made as to whether it would be possible for the City of Westminster authority to provide an underground passage.

I understand your position in this matter, Mr. Speaker, but I should like to know whether it would be possible to provide a subway from the Whitehall side into the House of Commons or into the yard of the House, so that Members should not be kept waiting, either on the side or in the centre of the road, for traffic to pass, as very often happens nowadays.

Mr. Speaker

I intend no discourtesy in saying that I have listened with attention to the hon. Lady, but I am still waiting for the point of order. I have no doubt that what she has said will be noted by those concerned. At present, the Question before the House is the Sessional Order which I have read.

Question put and agreed to.

Ordered, That the Commissioner of the Police of the Metropolis do take care that during the Session of Parliament the passages through the streets leading to this House be kept free and open, and that no obstruction be permitted to hinder the passage of Members to and from this House, and that no disorder be allowed in Westminster Hall, or in the passages leading to this House, during the Sitting of Parliament, and that there be no annoyance therein or thereabouts; and that the Serjeant at Arms attending this House do communicate this Order to the Commissioner aforesaid.