asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Whether they have made any representations to Transport for London on plans to change the road traffic arrangements for Parliament Square.

My Lords, the proposed changes to Parliament Square under the World Squares for All project are the responsibility of the Mayor of London and Westminster City Council, as highway authority. The Government continue to work alongside Transport for London as the proposals for this scheme take shape.

My Lords, I suppose that I thank the noble Lord for that reply. Will the relevant authorities continue to make sure that taxis are available for those of us who depend on them to get to Parliament? Also, on parking outside St Margaret’s Church, will this amenity still be available for brides and mothers-in-law to be picked up and put down, as well as disabled and important mourners following memorial services at the church?

My Lords, I am most grateful to the noble Baroness for the questions. Obviously taxi access is essential to the Palace of Westminster. These plans are work in progress. Clearly the concerns of the bereaved going to services will have to be properly considered. I am sure that the scheme, which is being consulted on, will protect the interests of those who need immediate access to all the relevant buildings.

My Lords, this is a great opportunity to transform the whole environment around the British Parliament. I assume that not just the Government but Parliament as a whole will have some strong opinions about what is offered. Some of us think that closing two sides of the square rather than one would create an enormous opportunity to have a large public space. Even what was achieved in Trafalgar Square with the closure of one side was rather impressive. Surely the Government have a positive view on this and ought to express it vigorously to Westminster City Council, which appears to regard the interests of the inhabitants of the houses around Smith Square and between Smith Square and here as rather more important than the wider interests of reshaping the environment for the Palace of Westminster.

My Lords, the noble Lord is right to draw attention to the success of the Trafalgar Square scheme. The Government are involved in discussions and the Palace of Westminster authorities are represented on the World Squares for All steering group. The views expressed by the noble Lord are very helpful, and I will certainly ensure that they are passed on.

My Lords, can the Minister say how long this has been going on? I recall that this discussion started about eight years ago, when some noble Lords and I were shown lovely plans of what might happen in Parliament Square. If the mayor and Westminster City Council have taken eight years not to agree, when will something happen? Will our grandchildren be the first to see a result?

My Lords, discussions about Parliament Square have been going on ever since Sir Charles Barry designed the first layout back in 1868. I am sure that there is a great sense of urgency in the mayor’s office, as noble Lords will understand. This has to be resolved for the Olympics and the Paralympics in 2012.

My Lords, does the Minister agree that, although the reorganisation of Trafalgar Square, which is a much larger square, has improved public access, it has made things for traffic completely impossible? Also, my noble friend Lady Trumpington asks me to remind him that he did not answer her question about St Margaret’s Church.

My Lords, I beg to differ with the noble Baroness. I thought I had said that—

No.

My Lords, I shall repeat some of what I said. I am sure that the interests of mourners and visitors to the church will be properly considered and fully taken into account. Public authorities are spending a lot of time working up plans and procedures. All noble Lords should have received information about the proposals on offer. I think that there will be long-term improvements to traffic flow around the square if the plans that I have seen are brought into effect.

My Lords, will my noble friend ensure that any changes make it easier for Members of this House who have offices in the buildings on the other side of the road to get here for Divisions? All the changes that have taken place recently, both to traffic control and, above all, to security, have created an obstacle course for Members to get here in time to vote.

My Lords, if these plans come to fruition, there should be an 80 per cent reduction in traffic flows in front of the parliamentary buildings, so it should be much easier for those who work in buildings outside the parliamentary estate to make their way into the building for Divisions.

My Lords, judging by the waffle that has come out of the Minister, should we not just wait for Boris on 1 May?

My Lords, I have tried to give pretty precise answers to questions. I have told the House that there have been discussions since 1868, I have explained the position with the church and I have made it painfully obvious that the parliamentary authorities are involved in detailed discussions. The worst possible thing for London would be the election of Boris Johnson.

My Lords, I hope that the Minister thinks that my noble friend Lady Trumpington was right to ask this Question. Can he explain why, over several years, the Government have failed to have Mr Brian Haw’s rubbish removed while at the same time they have penalised decent and reasonable protesters in Parliament Square?

My Lords, the presence of protesters on the pavements on the edge of Parliament Square is a matter for Westminster City Council. Mr Haw has a right to protest and that right has been enshrined and protected. While one may disagree with the particular views of an individual, they have a right to make those views known.

My Lords, I declare an interest: I live on the corner of Great Peter Street, Great Smith Street and Marsham Street. Last year, when Parliament Square was closed, there was chaos. Does the Minister agree that the problem concerns not only Parliament Square but the surrounding area?

My Lords, my noble friend is right to draw attention to traffic problems in the area. We have something like 33 million pedestrian visitors to Parliament Square, of whom fewer than half a million ever make it to the centre. There is a strong view that opening it up and making pedestrian access possible from the south side would greatly improve the environment.