HL Deb 14 May 2002 vol 635 cc29-30WA
Lord Marlesford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why a permanent and mainly unmanned protest site has been permitted on the area of Parliament Square; and whether they will ensure that the paraphernalia on the grass is removed whenever the protesters leave. [HL4181]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

This is the responsibility of Westminster City Council, but I understand that the council has served a notice under Section 149(1) of the Highways Act 1980 requiring this protestor to remove his placards from the highway on the grounds that they constitute a nuisance. If the protestor does not comply, the council can then make a complaint to a magistrates' court and seek a removal and disposal order.