§ Mr. RobathanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to the Government's announcement of 20 July 1998,Official Report, columns 784–88, on reasons to encourage cycling, when he will order the removal of the signs around his Department which forbid the leaving of bicycles attached to railings. [51934]
§ Mr. MudieThere are signs on the railings at the perimeter of Sanctuary Buildings which state that "Bicycles left chained to these railings will in future be removed". These signs will not be removed as we need to continue to meet Cabinet Office Security guidance.
Apart from the security risk, bicycles chained outside Sanctuary Buildings would create a Health and Safety issue as the pavement is narrow and they would constitute a hazard.
However, the Department does provide 65 secure cycle parking spaces for its staff in London; these are adequate for current needs.