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Motion made, and Question proposed,
That the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis do take care that during the Session of Parliament the passages through the streets leading to the 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.
§ Mr. David Harris (St. Ives)I rise to seek guidance on this Sessional Order, Madam Speaker. I do not know whether this has been the experience of other hon. Members, but I have noticed, particularly during the past year, that various demonstrations of one sort or another have been allowed in the immediate precincts of the House of Commons. Just a few weeks ago, there was a demonstration—I do not quarrel with demonstrations as such—against nuclear tests in the Pacific. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] I do not quarrel with the substance, but merely ask for clarification of the Sessional Order. A lorry was parked right on the pedestrian crossing between the House and No. 1 Parliament street, where I happen to have an office. Photographers were photographing that lorry, which was carrying people wearing masks. In fact, one mask resembled a likeness of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.
3 What I am asking is whether we intend to enforce what I have always understood to be the Sessional Order of this House—that there should be no demonstrations of any kind in the immediate precincts of the House. I have observed that demonstrations do take place, and photographs are taken of lobbyists and others. Are we serious about the Order? If not, perhaps we should drop it.
§ Madam SpeakerI have of course taken note of the hon. Gentleman's points. They will certainly be put to, and be seriously considered by, the appropriate quarters. These are not easy matters in this day and age. The House owes a debt of thanks to the Commissioner and his officers for the way in which they attempt to carry out their duties, which are not, as I say, always easy.
I am pleased that the hon. Gentleman has raised the matter. It will certainly be looked at with all seriousness.
§ Question put and agreed to.