Sir, Visitors to the Palace of Westminster will have seen notices urging all those who work there to wear prominently their access passes at all times “whilst on the Parliamentary Estate”.
In my experience this was punctiliously observed by employees of Parliament but seldom by Members and their office staff of either House.
Security cannot be enforced in any environment without the co-operation of all who work in it (letters, September 18).
Yours faithfully,
M. A. McDONALD,
(Visitor Manager, Houses of Parliament, 2000-03)
Gerrards Cross,
Buckinghamshire
September 18.
From Mrs R. J. Wilcock
Sir, The intrusion into the Commons debate on foxhunting highlights the farcical nature of so-called democracy. MPs had such strong views that the Bill was passed with a majority of 190, yet the cameras showed that only about thirty of them were bothering to listen and participate in the debate at the time the protesters broke into the chamber.
Yours faithfully,
RUTH WILCOCK,
Brentwood, Essex
September 17.
From Mrs Meriel Walton
Sir, I note that the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Foreign Secretary (inter alia) all abstained from voting on the Hunting Bill. How reassuring that these senior ministers lead from the front.
Yours faithfully,
MERIEL WALTON,
Shortacre,
Park Road, Winchester
September 16.
From Lieutenant-Commander Geoffrey Carr, RN (retd)
Sir, Seven years ago, while on duty and wearing full naval uniform, I was threatened with arrest by a police officer inside the Palace of Westminster. My offence was “meeting and greeting” members of the Admiralty Board — in full admirals’ uniforms — as they arrived for a joint parliamentary/Royal Navy event. Apparently I was causing an obstruction.
Where was this puffed-up popinjay yesterday?
Yours faithfully,
GEOFFREY CARR,
Melksham, Wiltshire
September 16.
From Mrs Helen Grierson
Sir, I may be a victim of terrorism when travelling by Tube or bus or train but we commuters accept the risks and go about our business. Should not our representatives in Parliament do the same?
Yours faithfully,
HELEN GRIERSON,
Petersfield, Hampshire
September 16.