§ Lord Pattenasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is the policy of the Metropolitan Police to prevent rough sleeping on the north side of Victoria Street around New Scotland Yard, but to permit it on the south side of Victoria Street and around the precinct of Westminster Cathedral. [HL564]
§ Lord RookerThe Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police tells me that it is not his policy to deal with rough sleepers in the area around New Scotland Yard any differently from rough sleepers elsewhere in Westminster. The perimeter of the New Scotland Yard complex is subject to 24-hour police security patrols and this may also have an effect in reducing the incidence of rough sleeping on the north side of Victoria Street in the immediate vicinity of New Scotland Yard.