Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Campbell-Savours (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 27 June 2005.

Terrorism: Protection of Public Buildings

Question: My Lords, will my noble friend look into the case put by the noble Baroness, Lady O'Cathain? What she said is true. Is it not the case that they simply provide a physical barrier against vehicles that might want to come nearer to this institution? Is there not every need for very early action to be taken to ensure that they are replaced by something more aesthetically pleasing? There can be no excuse for delay.

Answer: My Lords, there is no delay; energetic efforts are being made. I reiterate that it would be very foolish indeed for me to indicate when one sort of security will be there and when another sort of security may be replaced. Therefore, I am not able to tell noble Lords when it will happen. However, I assure your Lordships that the design, the nature, and the issue that was raised by the noble Baroness are of real importance and are very much at the forefront of the minds of the security services and of others who are responsible for these matters. They are being dealt with well.

Secondary information