To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what plans he has to make photopasses more readily identifiable, and if he will make a statement. [35325]

The Administration Committee has agreed to recommend certain revisions to make various categories of photopass more readily identifiable by differentiation of colour or superimposing a letter. Any new styles passes will be introduced by the Pass Office over the next six months:

(a) Hon. Members:

• Green and white diagonal striped pass.

(b) Permanent Staff (except Members' Research Assistants):

• Grey pass.

(c) Temporary staff (except media):

• Yellow pass.

(d) Media:

• Brown pass, with an orange "L" superimposed for those accorded Lobby status.

(e) Members' Research Assistants:

• Grey or yellow pass as appropriate, with a red "R" superimposed. These passes have to be renewed annually.

(f) Contractors:

• Blue pass, with a red "C" superimposed.

The Committee will keep under review whether certain other categories of pass should be of an identifiable colour.All who work in the Palace of Westminster and in the parliamentary outbuildings must be in possession of a valid photopass, which should be worn whenever the holder is in the parliamentary estate.Passes cannot be issued until the necessary clearance procedure is completed and anyone taking on staff should allow sufficient time for the process to be completed before employment procedures are finalised. Clearances for individuals who are foreign nationals or who have lived abroad can take several weeks and some months.Hon. Members are reminded that passes issued to their secretaries and research assistants must be handed back to the Pass Office when their service with a Member ends.