DOORKEEPERS AND POLICE IN THE COMMONS

Early day motion 100, tabled 25 November 1999 by Tony Benn (Labour). Signed by 133 members.

That this House wishes to register its deep appreciation and gratitude to the doorkeepers and police who serve in the House of Commons and whose help and guidance have been of incalculable assistance to generations of members of the public; welcomes the introduction of modern communications technology, including telephones, computers, pagers and faxes which now make it possible for information to pass more quickly and efficiently but does not share the view that these techniques have, in any way, diminished the need for those staff who have always had responsibilities that go much wider; regrets the recent decisions that have been taken to reduce the staffing of doorkeepers and police in the Palace, thus preventing them from providing the best possible service, for which they have been recently, and expensively, trained; and invites the Serjeant at Arms to reconsider his decision, so as to take account of the importance these members of the staff play in the life and work of this place.

Signatures by party: Labour 77, Conservative 31, Liberal Democrat 10, Labour/Co-operative 7, UUP 5, Plaid Cymru 2, Unknown 1.