The new security chief may be a senior police figure

The appointment of a special Parliamentary security co-ordinator was announced in a House of Commons written answer on Tuesday.

Security is currently managed by the serjeant-at-arms.

The Commons has been hit by series of security breaches, the most serious of which saw pro-hunt protesters storm the chamber during a debate.

Armed presence

In a previous incident a fathers group managed to hit Tony Blair with condoms filled with purple flour despite the installation of a new security screen to shield MPs.

And a tabloid newspaper reporter managed to smuggle in fake bomb-making equipment.

Security outside Parliament has been visibly stepped up in the wake of the 11 September terror attacks on the US.

Up-to-date

Police maintain an armed presence and concrete barriers have been put in place to prevent would-be suicide bombers attacking the Palace of Westminster.

The new security chief could well be a former senior police officer or security service figure.

At the time of the hunt demonstration security breach Commons Leader Peter Hain said the "horrifying reality" was that peaceful protesters could have been suicide bombers.

He said he wanted "a modern professional with up-to-date knowledge of terrorist procedures and security matters" - to oversee the protection of Parliament, taking over responsibility from the serjeant-at-arms and his staff.