HC Deb 23 May 1962 vol 660 cc422-3
18. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for War for how many man hours per year officers and men are engaged in the provision of the Bank of England picket from the moment the picket leaves its barracks until its return to barracks; and how much of this cost is borne by the Bank of England.

Mr. Profumo:

The number of man hours per year is about 114,000. The Bank of England makes a contribution in kind, and the extra cost to public funds is negligible.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

In view of the fact that this operation is not part of the pageantry of the City, that it is a quite unsuitable method of defending a building such as a bank, that Parliament votes money for the purpose of defending the country and that this is a commercial undertaking, will my right hon. Friend consider the abolition of this ancient practice?

Mr. Profumo

I know my hon. Friend's burning interest in this matter, but I do not think that I can give him the undertaking he seeks. The Bank of England considers that this picket contributes towards its security—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—and I agree. I think that we can only judge by results —and the Bank of England has not been raided since the picket was mounted.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

Would my right hon. Friend consider an application from any other bank which had the same record?

Mr. Profumo

I shall consider any application that my hon. Friend puts to me. I cannot give him any undertaking.