§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the standard of security at Sandringham house and other royal residences; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdAt about 3.45 pm on Thursday 22 January an intruder scaled the perimeter gates at Sandringham House and moved towards the residence. He was detected as he entered the property and was detained by the police before he reached the house. He was found to have a history of mental illness and was taken to hospital. I am studying a report on the incident from the chief constable of Norfolk.
Although the security arrangements were effective in detecting the intruder the police are, as a matter of course, reviewing them. Their conclusion will be considered by my Department in the Standing Committee which monitors royal security. Substantial improvements have been made to the security arrangements at all the royal residences in recent years and are kept under constant review.