HL Deb 04 May 2001 vol 624 c127WA
Lord Berkeley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 26 February (WA 115–116):

  1. (a) how many escort operations were undertaken by the Metropolitan Police Special Escort Section in the last year, which involved driving cars or motorcycles on footpaths or cycle ways in the Royal Parks;
  2. (b) what is their assessment of the security risk to people in high security categories being delayed by unexpected traffic congestion; and
  3. (c) what risk analysis was done by the Special Escort Section to compare the risks to high security category people being delayed by unexpected road traffic congestion compared with the risk of death or injury to the large number of pedestrians and cyclists, caused by such motor vehicles being driven at speed along cycle ways and footpaths, as in the dark in Hyde Park on 5 February. [HL1050]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Bassam of Brighton)

We seek to ensure the most effective and efficient protective arrangements for public figures in the light of the changing threat from terrorism and other continuing risks. It is our policy not to comment on the details of protection arrangements for individuals, as to do so could compromise their security.