HC Deb 29 June 1993 vol 227 c454W
Mr. Steen

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee on what terms the press are permitted access to the Terrace of the Palace of Westminster within the jurisdiction of the House of Commons.

Mr. Michael J. Martin

In accordance with a decision of the Catering Sub-Committee of the former Services Committee and regulations now determined by the Catering Committee, certain members of the Press Gallery may use the Terrace Pavilion and Bar. Parliamentary Lobby correspondents and sketch writers are also allowed access to the southern part of the House of Commons Terrace but are not allowed to entertain guests there.

Mr. Steen

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what restrictions exist as to who may be admitted to the Terrace of the Palace of Westminster within the jurisdiction of the House of Commons; and how these are monitored and enforced.

Mr. Michael J. Martin

On sitting days throughout the year, Members and Officers of the House may take up to six guests on to the southern part of the House of Commons Terrace from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm or the rising of the House, whichever is the later.

On sitting Mondays to Thursdays between 10.00 am and 1.00 pm; on sitting Fridays from the rising of the House to 6.00 pm—except during the period from 1 May to the adjournment of the House for the summer recess—Members and Officers of the House may entertain up to 16 guests on the Terrace.

A Peer or Member may give interviews on the Terrace which may involve handheld filming equipment. On sitting days these interviews should be brought to an end by 12 noon; on non-sitting days they should be completed by 5.30 pm. Visitors may take photographs on the Terrace, but not while either House is sitting.

No guest may be left unattended for more than 15 minutes nor may they be taken to the two northern parts of the Terrace one of which is reserved for the use of Members and Officers of the House alone, and the other for the sole use of the Speaker as she decides.

Staff of the House who are Senior or Higher Executive Officers and Parliamentary Lobby correspondents on a list maintained by the Serjeant at Arms may use the southern part of the House of Commons Terrace, but may not take visitors there.