Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Leader of the House, what steps the Government will take to safeguard (a) hon. Members of both Houses from being impeded from entering and leaving the Parliamentary estate and (b) police and other security personnel from being distracted from their duties by incessant noise disturbances over prolonged periods.  [120607]

[Due for Answer on 21 February]

ANSWER

The Leader of the House of Commons (Mark Spencer): The Government takes the safety and security of all Members of Parliament extremely seriously. Security measures for Members are continuously kept under review, including through the Consultative Panel on Parliamentary Security and the police work with the Parliamentary Security Department (PSD) to make sure that appropriate measures are in place to ensure that Members can continue with their jobs. Security and other measures in place on the Parliamentary estate are ultimately a matter for the House authorities and PSD. Regulation of noise disturbance is a matter for the police and local authorities and the House authorities have made representations to the relevant authorities.