§ Andrew MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the performance of the Commissioner of the Police of the Metropolis in enforcing the terms of the Sessional Order of 13 November 2002. [107994]
§ Mr. Bob Ainsworth[holding answer 8 April 2003]I understand from the Commissioner that the Metropolitan Police Service is extremely aware of the necessity to enforce the requirements of the Sessional Order. All pre-planned demonstrations take into consideration the Sessional Order during the planning 283W process and subsequent implementation of the plan. Where impromptu demonstrations occur all possible steps are taken to ensure that the Sessional Order is maintained. On the limited number of occasions, when access to Parliament has not been available through the Carriage Gates, access was restored as quickly as possible.