Every citizen has the right to lobby his MP at the House of Commons. You can do this by dropping into the "Central Lobby" and asking an Attendant to try and find me. This is not really to be recommended - because if you come all the way up from Salisbury there is no guarantee that I will be in the building at the time - or free to see you if I am in the Chamber or serving on a Committee. It is much better to ask to speak to me on the telephone or see me in Salisbury.

Sometimes organisations arrange mass lobbies of Parliament - and special rules apply.

If you wish to see the House of Commons at work by attending a debate, question time or a Committee of the House, please contact my office for advice.

If you wish to enjoy a tour of the buildings, the House of Commons authorities have established special rules to cope with the very large numbers of visitors.

Obviously it is not possible to tour the building when the House of Commons and House of Lords are sitting. Space is very limited in the Public Gallery and tickets for Questions are issued to MPs on a strict rota basis. However, access is generally easy for Committees of the House and for the Chamber of the House of Commons in the evenings.

Pictures on this page are courtesy of The House of Commons.
©2000 Jarrold Publishing.

See the new Explore Parliament Web site.