§ Mr. LiptonMr. Speaker, may I ask whether your attention has been drawn to a stunt in which a hireling of Thames Television indulged yesterday intending to demonstrate that it is possible to plant 1182 a bomb under the Palace of Westminster on Guy Fawkes Day?
I do not want to make too heavy weather about it, but I shall be grateful, Mr. Speaker, if, from the point of view of security of the Palace of Westminster and the dignity of the Houses of Parliament, you will cause an investigation to be made into the circumstances in which this particular juvenile prank was possible.
§ Mr. SpeakerAs the House can imagine, I have already had a report from the Serjeant at Arms on the incident which took place yesterday. I would point out that the Serjeant at Arms has the task of providing adequate security for Members of the House and the House itself, while allowing reasonable freedom of movement for bona fide visitors and others having business with Members.
This clearly represents a very difficult task unlessa lot of inconvenience is to be caused to British citizens. But I can assure the House that the security arrangements are under continuous review to deal with any situation that may crop up.
This particular incident yesterday, I am given to understand by the Serjeant at Arms, involves an ex-employee of the House. The so-called bomb was, in fact, found at about 1 o'clock and was so obviously a prank that it was not reported.