§ Mr. Arthur Lathamasked the Lord President of the Council (1) what arrangements were made to provide refreshment and other facilities to members of yachting clubs on Thursday 9th June; which rooms were made available; and by what authority;
(2) what security screening was undertaken in respect of persons paying for the use of House accommodation on Thursday 9th June; what charge was made and for the use of which facilities; and by what authority this was done.
§ Dr. Reginald BennettI have been asked to reply.
The Harcourt Rooms, Members' and Strangers' Dining Rooms, the four Terrace Dining Rooms and the marquee on the Terrace were booked in accordance with the rules governing the booking of dining rooms for private functions. These rules were confirmed by the Services Committee in July 1972.
No special security screening of guests was necessary. As is usual on such occasions, guests unaccompanied by Members had invitation cards which clearly indicated the names of the sponsoring Member. The cards act as a form of admission, and are shown to the police on request.
It is not the policy of the Catering Sub-Committee to reveal charges made for private functions.
§ Mr. Arthur Lathamasked the Lord President of the Council what instructions were given concerning admission on to the Terrace of the House on Thursday 9th June; and by what authority.
§ Mr. FootOther than guests attending functions for which refreshment accommodation had been booked, who, in accordance with normal Refreshment Department rules, were required to possess invitations, parties of visitors, not exceeding four in number, were allowed on the Terrace after 6 o'clock, if accompanied by a Member, as recommended by the Services Committee on 17th May. Instructions were given to this effect.
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§ Mr. Arthur Lathamasked the Lord President of the Council whether special passes were issued to persons other than hon. Members and their guests to gain access to the Palace of Westminster on Thursday 9th June.
§ Mr. FootSpecial passes were issued, in the usual way, to persons—other than Members, their guests, and the holders of permanent passes—whose duties required them to have access to the Palace of Westminster that day.