HC Deb 09 June 1988 vol 134 c664W
Ms. Walley

To ask the Lord President of the Council how many people are employed in the Palace of Westminster.

Mr. Wakeham

With the exception of Members and the 917 staff employed by the House of Commons Commission, the varying nature of attendance of those employed in the precincts of this House makes it impossible to provide any meaningful total.

It is understood that the political parties, the police, the security and fire authorities, the press and broadcasting authorities, the Property Services Agency and Crown Suppliers, the Post Office and British Telecom, and other authorities have approximately 950 officers and staff whose employment involves some attendance at the House of Commons. Some of these, however, serve both Houses.

In addition, 1,327 passes have been issued to Members' secretaries and research assistants, but not all are regularly employed in the House. Officials from Government Departments also attend the House from time to time as required.