HC Deb 11 November 1991 vol 198 cc365-6W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Lord President of the Council how many thefts have been reported in the Palace of Westminster for the latest year.

Mr. MacGregor

The police in the Palace of Westminster have recorded 92 incidents of theft in the parliamentary precincts since 1 January 1991. Five arrests have been made in the same period.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will initiate measures to provide all Members who wish it, with keys to their offices so they can secure their property against theft; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. MacGregor

Members occupying the new accommodation in 1 Parliament street are already being issued with keys to their rooms. In other parliamentary outbuildings and the Palace of Westminster itself, keys can be made available to Members on request to the Serjeant at Arms. Keys are also provided for all desks and filing cabinets and it is a great help to the security staff if Members can ensure that desks and filing cabinets both in their own rooms and in their secretaries' rooms are locked when not in use, that the keys are not left in easily accessible places and that articles of value, such as portable television sets, telephones and cash boxes, as well as confidential papers are locked away when offices are left unattended.