House of Commons Commission written question – answered at on 13 June 2006.
To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission what the (a) shortest, (b) longest and (c) average time it has taken over the last 12 months to obtain security clearance for a House of Commons pass for hon. Members' staff working at Westminster; and if he will make a statement.
In the past 12 months it is estimated that the shortest time it has taken to obtain security clearance for a House of Commons pass has been approximately three weeks, the longest approximately 12 months, and the average approximately one month. This is dependent upon the nature of foreign connections, and the multiplicity of addresses which have to be checked by agencies both in this country and abroad.
As hon. Members have been informed, the Deputy Serjeant at Arms can in certain circumstances authorise the issue of a pass on the basis of satisfactory references pending the receipt of final clearances.
Yes0 people think so
No0 people think not
Would you like to ask a question like this yourself? Use our Freedom of Information site.