§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North-East, was compelled to take one hour and ten minutes—from 6.45 p.m. to 7.55 p.m.—to drive from the House of Commons to Marble Arch on Wednesday 4th May, along the route via Birdcage Walk, Constitution Hill and Hyde Park; and whether, in view of the Sessional Order requiring free access to and from the House to be preserved, he will give instructions to the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis to ensure that the roads from the House are kept clear.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsThe Commissioner of Police informs me that between 4.40 p.m. and 8.20 p.m. on the day in question the carriageways between Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch were blocked owing to heavy traffic, rain, and seven 95W accidents. Five police stations assisted in dealing with the resulting traffic congestion and a warning was broadcast by the B.B.C.
I am satisfied that the Commissioner of Police makes every endeavour to comply with the terms of the Sessional Order. I consider that further instructions of the kind suggested by my hon. Friend would be both inappropriate and without practical effect.