HC Deb 07 December 1966 vol 737 c1349
35. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he is aware that parking in New Palace Yard would be facilitated if Members did not lock their cars; and if he will seek to make arrangements for cars there to be left unlocked.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Richard Crossman)

Yes, Sir. It occasionally becomes necessary for the police to move cars in New Palace Yard, and this is hampered if Members lock their cars when parking them. I hope Members will assist by leaving their cars unlocked and by removing valuables.

Mr. Digby

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that parking is becoming increasingly difficult for Members in New Palace Yard, and in the precincts, too, particularly at peak hours, and that anything that can be done to facilitate it will be welcome to many hon. Members?

Mr. Crossman

I am grateful to the hon. Member for giving me the chance of reminding other hon. Members of the inconvenience that is caused by this action.

Mr. Pannell

Will my right hon. Friend think again about this? Leaving cars unlocked in New Palace Yard is not a good idea. The hon. Member for Surbiton (Mr. Fisher) once had a car taken out with his dog in it, my hon. Friend the Member for Brixton (Mr. Lipton) once had his car taken away, and I know of cars that have been—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Will the hon. Member ask his question?

Mr. Pannell

I do not know whether my right hon. Friend is aware of this. Is he also aware that souvenir hunters have taken away the House of Commons badges on more than one occasion? This sort of thing—

Mr. Speaker

Order. That is long enough to answer.

Mr. Crossman

My hon. Friend's awareness differs from mine. I am aware of agreeing with the hon. Member for Dorset, West (Mr. Wingfield Digby) that cars should be left unlocked in New Palace Yard.