Visitor Facilities

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 5:08 pm on 22 April 2004.

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Photo of Phil Woolas Phil Woolas Parliamentary Secretary 5:08, 22 April 2004

I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. Perhaps he will be able to see things in the round as I continue my remarks.

The reception centre proposal is to be seen very much as the first stage in a series of improvements. Proposals for a more expansive and comprehensive visitors centre will come later and at that stage proposals for further improvements to security screening—from the proposed change from the St. Stephen's entrance to the new Cromwell green site—will be vetted. My hon. Friend makes a valid point, but the proposal in the Committees' report to move security screening from the historic Westminster Hall so that it is outside the main building will in itself improve the security arrangements.