Commons security `not government's business'.

Byline: JON SMITH

COMMONS authorities last night insisted they -- rather than the Government -- would decide if a new director of security was needed at Westminster.

The comments came after hunt supporters stormed the chamber and a national newspaper reporter posing as a waiter smuggled a fake bomb into parliament.

A spokeswoman for the Serjeant at Arms, Sir Michael Cummins, said he and Speaker Michael Martin would have the final say on a security shake-up.

Last night's intervention from the so-called ``men in tights'' came after Home Secretary David Blunkett backed calls from Commons Leader Peter Hain for a new professional head of security, amid speculation of growing tensions between government and the House authorities.

The Commons spokeswoman pointed out that a Metropolitan Police chief superintendent was already in charge of security, reporting to Sir Michael and his equivalent in the House of Lords, known as Black Rod, Lieutenant General Sir Michael Willcocks.

After Mr Hain and Mr Blunkett called for a new head of security at Westminster, the Commons spokeswoman said: ``Any decision regarding this is the prerogative of the Speaker, Michael Martin, and other appropriate parliamentary bodies acting on behalf of the House of Commons, together with the Lord Chairman of Committees in the Lords.

``It is a decision for Parliament rather than the Government, police or security services. ''

Earlier, Mr Blunkett said: ``I'm in charge of security for the nation as a whole and what's happened here undermines confidence in the security service and counter-terrorism branch who, like me, have absolutely no control over the decisions of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. ''

Speaking about the newspaper investigation, the Home Secretary said: ``It's certainly highlighted just how easy it is to get in to and work in the Palace of Westminster. '' The Commons authorities said the reporter had been security cleared, and fake references he used applied only to his catering skills.

But one of the hunt protesters who stormed the chamber on Wednesday and was released by police yesterday described security at the Commons as ``risible''. And he insisted he and his colleagues had received no inside help, although that claim was dismissed by Mr Hain.

David Redvers said the whole operation was hatched ``on the back of an envelope'' the day before and the plotters had given themselves a one in a thousand chance of success. Former Leader of the Commons Robin Cook said Parliament must not be turned into a fortress.

He warned against over-reacting and said it would be a mistake to make Parliament even more remote from the public.

Tory leader Michael Howard said: ``It is quite clear that something must be done and there must be change.