§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Lord Privy Seal what guidance is issued to the police and security officers on the number of people permitted to accompany hon. Members, or official guides, on the line of route either at Norman Porch or St. Stephen's entrance; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BiffenParties of six or fewer, personally accompanied by a Member may tour the line of route any time when it is open. On sitting Mondays to Thursdays during the months March to July inclusive, parties of not more than 16 who are in possession of a Member's special permit may tour the line of route when it is open. On sitting Fridays and on non-sitting weekdays other arrangements apply.
I draw my hon. Friend's attention to the booklets, "Regulations for Visitors" and "Line of Route on Non-Sitting Days" which are widely available.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Lord Privy Seal how many official guides have been issued with permits to 314W accompany organised parties on the line of route; what is the maximum number of persons who are permitted to form a group; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BiffenThe London Visitor and Convention Bureau has licensed guides to accompany organised parties on the line of route. In addition, Members make arrangements with some staff of the House to accompany parties while off duty. The maximum number of persons to form any one party is 16.