HC Deb 01 December 1988 vol 142 c365W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Lord President of the Council what is the limit on the number of individuals allowed to enter the Palace of Westminster during a lobby of Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Wakeham

Although there is no firm limit, experience has shown that, during the course of a mass lobby, approximately 1,000 lobbyists can be admitted to Central Lobby. A maximum of 100 people in total, which includes lobbyists and others, are allowed to be in the Central Lobby at any one time. A further 1,000 may be addressed by or meet Members in the Grand Committee Room and in the Interview Rooms off Westminster Hall. Details of these arrangements are contained in the leaflet "Notes for Members of Parliament on arrangements for Mass Lobbies" issued by the Serjeant at Arms.