HC Deb 15 January 2004 vol 416 c974 1.11 pm
Dr. Julian Lewis (New Forest, East) (Con)

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I refer not to the presence of the current demonstration in Parliament square but to the volume of noise periodically projected into Parliament—such that right hon. and hon. Members cannot work peacefully in their own offices. When I spoke to the main protestor in Parliament square last night, he was frank enough to admit that the amplification is so loud because the small number of demonstrators want their protest to be heard above the traffic noise and penetrate these buildings. Does the Leader of the House know of any moves to ensure that Westminster city council which tells me it cannot do anything about it, or the police, who feel that they are not allowed to do anything respectively—can stop the pathetic failure to allow right hon. and hon. Members, staff of the House and residents to carry on their business undisturbed?

Mr. Speaker

I, too, am concerned about the noise to which the hon. Gentleman refers. I understand that matter has been taken up with the Leader of the House and the Procedure Committee. I hope that it can be resolved, because the demonstration goes beyond the normal peaceful protest in which I have been involved as a trade unionist and political activist—as have other right hon. and hon. Members.

Mr. Michael Jack (Fylde) (Con)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I understand that, tomorrow, the performance and innovation unit at Downing street is to present the Prime Minister and senior Ministers with what is described as an audit of the Government's performance. As that document will have been produced using public funds, will it be possible to ensure that a copy is placed in the Library and is made available in the Vote Office?

Mr. Speaker

Why does the hon. Gentleman not raise that matter at Business Questions next week? Perhaps he will be at the front of the queue.

Mr. Hain

Further to the point of order raised by the hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis), Mr. Speaker. I agree with the sentiments that you expressed in respect of the situation outside the Palace. We shall proceed to deal with it as quickly as we can.

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