Question

To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, for what reason the public were prevented from using single lens reflex cameras in Westminster Hall on 25 April 2018.

Single lens reflex (SLR) cameras are permitted in Westminster Hall if they are used in line with the regulations governing photography in the Palace. If the advice was given that photographs could be taken on mobile phones but not on SLR cameras this was incorrect. The Visitor Services team and Parliamentary Security Department will reissue briefing instructions to their staff to ensure that the regulations are applied correctly and consistently.

Filming and photography in Westminster Hall is for ‘personal’ rather than ‘professional’ use unless agreed in advance. Photography is not permitted in the following circumstances:

• Tripods, lighting equipment or trailing cables are involved
• The images are for commercial purposes
• The images include signage or banners for party political purposes
• The images will be used to promote a specific cause or campaign.