§ Mr. SpeakerI wish to make a short statement on the presence of intruders on the Clock Tower. I am informed by the police that at about 5 o'clock this morning three men gained access to the scaffolding at present surrounding the Clock Tower by means of a ladder from the roof of a double-decker bus and proceeded to climb the Tower. The security authorities were immediately alerted. One of the three men delayed the police in pursuit by chaining himself to the scaffolding by the lift. The other two were able to reach the level of the clock and from there to suspend themselves on climbing hammocks from the scaffolding and to display banners across the east clock face. I am informed that the two men are likely to come down from the tower within the next half hour.
§ Mr. Anthony Nelson (Chichester)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Would you care to make a statement about the extent to which these high-rise antics cost the public purse money?
§ Mr. SpeakerI have nothing further to add until I have a full report on exactly what happened.