§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many people, other than hon. Members, have access to those areas of the House of Commons, when it is sitting, which up until 10 years ago were reserved exclusively for elected Members.
§ Mr. St. John-Stevas:Within the last 10 years the following alterations have been made with regard to access on the recommendation of the Services Committee.
Those private secretaries of Members with rooms in Commons Court building are permitted to use the lift in that building for access to those rooms. Members' private secretaries are permitted to use the Members' post office for collection of mail up till 2 pm on a Friday on which the House sits.
§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what checks have been made recently on the number of unauthorised people using those parts of the House of Commons which are designated for Members only; and if he will ensure that special steps are taken to reserve those parts only for hon. Members and Officers of the House when the new Session starts in November.
§ Mr. St. John-Stevas:Access to those areas reserved for Hon. Members are under observation by members of the security force whose duty it is to check those who are not recognised. Any unauthorised use of these areas should be reported to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible. As my hon. Friend requests, this matter will receive attention when the House resumes.