Question

To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many security passes are valid for use on the Parliamentary Estate by (a) MPs, Peers and their staff; (b) staff supporting Parliamentary activities in each House, (c) staff supporting non-Parliamentary activities, (d) security guards; (e) police officers; (f) contractors and (g) any other category.

A breakdown of pass data is available, however the categories used do not match up exactly with the categories specified. This is because the House regards every member of the Administration as supporting parliamentary activities, whether directly or indirectly.

The number of passes on issue changes constantly, so the following represents a snapshot of data recorded on 17 April 2024:

(a) MPs, Peers and their staff

• MPs: 648
• Peers: 842
• MPs’ staff: 1,987
• Peers’ staff: 345

(b) (c) and (d) Staff in both Houses

• House of Commons, House of Lords, and Parliamentary Digital Service: 4,132

(e) police officers

• Metropolitan Police staff including police officers: 608

(f) contractors

• Contractors: 4,236

(g) any other category

• Former MPs: 329
• Retired Peers: 58
• Political parties and whips: 200
• Partners of MPs/Peers and residents: 765
• Civil servants: 1,793
• Media: 492
• Restoration and Renewal Delivery Authority: 184
• Other: 165