The website of Ben Wallace, Member of Parliament for Lancaster & Wyre Constituency.

Do you know where the Sword Lines are? What are Division Lobbies? What is the Woolsack?
Don't know? Then perhaps you should take a visit to where, some say, Democracy began.


			If you are a school and would like to visit the Houses of Parliament and would like to learn more about politics then this page is designed to help you. Below are a number of activities that I and my Office can help you with. I advise that you touch base with my PA Zoe, on 0207 219 5804 before making any decisions to ensure that dates and timings are available.

		School Visits to Parliament. It is possible for classes to visit Parliament and to see "behind the scenes" of power. Organised tours usually take in the House of Lords and the House of Commons. You will be able to visit the chambers, the voting lobbies and much more. You can even see the spot where Charles I was tried for treason and Britain's only Prime Minister to be assassinated was shot. *The tours are very popular so, in order to ensure availability, we need at least 10 weeks notice.*



		A Trip down Downing Street. Occasionally the Police allow small groups to walk down Downing Street and see the Famous No.10 Black door. The trip is ideal for small classes and you may even spot a Cabinet Minister! Sometimes, because of security restrictions, it is not possible to visit so the earlier you book, the more likely it is to be possible.



		Hand in a petition to the Prime Minister. Up to five people are permitted to hand in a petition to No.10 at any one time. If your school has a pressing campaign and you would like to make sure that politicians take notice, then you could consider a petition. As with the other activities, please give us plenty of warning.



		A Visit to your class by the local MP. I am always delighted to come and meet classes and teachers. If you want to learn about how Government works, what the political parties stand for or you just want to tell me what you want from your MP, then a visit by me will give you that opportunity. The best times for me to visit your school is Monday mornings or Fridays, as during the week I am at Parliament in London.

Parliament Trivia: Every School year I will give tea in the House of Commons to one pupil, and their parents/guardian or teacher, who has correctly answered a trivia question.

Please email the answer to the question below, with your name, age, school and home address to:

Entrants must live or attend school within the constituency boundaries of Lancaster and Wyre. Winners will be chosen at random from the correct entries received.

Trivia Question: What are the Despatch boxes in the House of Commons used for?