§ Mr. Greg Knight (East Yorkshire)On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. As you know, at the beginning of each parliamentary Session we pass a number of Sessional Orders, which are not controversial and are normally agreed without a Division. One states that
the passage through the streets leading to this House be kept free and open and that no obstruction be permitted to hinder the passage of Members to and from this House.You may not know, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that today there has been utter chaos outside this building, creating severe traffic delays and impeding the work of many Members. The reason appears to be the closure of Victoria street where it becomes The Sanctuary. Having made inquiries, I understand that the road closure has nothing whatsoever to do with yesterday's events, nor with the demonstration by Greenpeace that took place earlier today, but is the result of roadworks that are being carried out.
That is a clear breach of our Sessional Orders. I can think of no other Parliament in the world that would allow democratically elected Members to be caused such disruption by roadworks, which could easily have been scheduled for when the House was not sitting.
43 I understand that the roadworks may continue for the rest of this week or into next week, so will you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, draw the matter to Mr. Speaker's attention and ask him to look into it and report back to the House tomorrow?
§ Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Michael Lord)The right hon. Gentleman is obviously greatly concerned about the matter. I understand that, and I am sure that Mr. Speaker will also note the points that he has made. I think that the correct procedure is to ask the Serjeant at Arms to look into such matters, and I am sure that that will be done.