To ask The Senior Deputy Speaker what is the security justification for the automated door being installed between the Prince's Chamber and Bishops’ Corridor; how many breaches of security in the past year have occurred because that door was not automated; and what steps are being taken to increase the speed of such automated doors on the Principal Floor.
While no breaches of security attributable to the absence of automation or access control at this door have been recorded in the past year, the measures have been implemented as a proportionate and forward-looking security enhancement, designed to mitigate the risk of unauthorised access, and form part of a wider programme of work addressing identified vulnerabilities across the Palace. This door is on the line of route for tours, which increases the likelihood and risk that individuals on a tour could leave the line of route via this door and access restricted areas. The weight of these doors, combined with pass readers, makes manual operation onerous. Door automation was therefore required as an accessibility measure to enable the installation of access control.
The speed of automation complies with British Standards based on the size and weight of the doors; however, the smoothness of operation of the doors at Peers’ Lobby is not optimal. This is due to the requirement to avoid any surface mounted equipment in this high heritage area, and the complexities of an underfloor mechanism. Overhead door automation systems operate better and are used whenever possible.
Answered on 9 Apr 2026