HC Deb 07 June 1988 vol 134 cc445-6W
Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to remove all restrictions on the number of hon. Members who can go into Downing street at any one time; if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis as to when the present instructions were given to the police on duty there on this matter; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I regret that restrictions placed on the number of right hon. and hon. Members who wished to enter Downing street on 26 May to present a petition were the result of a misunderstanding by the police officers on duty there. Fresh instructions have been issued by the police to make it clear that, as hitherto, no restrictions should be placed on the number of hon. Members who need to enter Downing street in the course of their parliamentary duties.