ejected by Ɖoorkeepers from the galleries. Plain clothes policemen and/or policewomen assist if necessary with this latter process.
We have a comparatively new Palace of Westminster photo- identity pass system and I enclose a specimen pass and a card showing the various categories. I also enclose a specimen Car Parking Permit, and there are different categories (colours) of these which indicate where the holder may park, as we have a large 496 space Underground Car park. It has been going about three years now and we are hoping to computerise the records shortly as there are over 10,000 passes on issue and the numbers grow daily. All passes, with the exception of those issued to Members of either House are expiry dated. The majority have a life of five years although many, particularly the initial issue of those marked TEMP last for only a year as these people tend to form the large majority of the moving population. We are looking into the question of the introduction of a computerised photo pass/card entry system for control of entry into our out-buildings, but this is not likely to come about for a few years. It is envisaged that the pass of the future might be a combination of something like our present pass and a Barclaycard, with a photograph, and both have visible numbers and an invisible magnetic strip. would be a very useful new system if one were starting from scratch with a new building as we may be on the Bridge Street site in 1990. It does not however lend itself for adaption in trying to control access to various parts of Pugin's magnificent Palace here!
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Pass holders are not searched but their credentials are checked on the police records computer and increasingly we vet as many pass holders as we possibly can; although as you appreciate this is a sensitive subject as far as staffs of Members of Parliament are concerned.
One of our main problems is that although we can oblige almost everybody to obey certain rules, we have no authority to make Members of Parliament obey the rules which they them- selves have devised.
Li Wing asks about "Conduct within the building". It is generally accepted that Members of Parliament dress reasonably, both in the building and in the Chamber. Certain areas are nominated as "Non Smoking". This is one of the rules which does seem to be well kept by all. The main No Smoking area is the part of the building which is air-conditioned, ie The Chamber, Members Lobby, Voting Lobby and Galleries.
Eating is not allowed anywhere except in the Refreshment
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