YEAR nine and 10 students from Chafford Hundred Campus recently visited the Houses of Parliament for a tour and talk with Thurrock MP Andrew Mackinlay.

There was a discussion towards the end of the question and answer session on a range of different subjects including health, education, crime, tax, recreation, immigration and the war in Iraq.

Teacher Gary Jerden said: "The trip was an enjoyable day out for the students some of whom had never been on a train before, or to London. Students had the opportunity of seeing the House of Lords and the House of Commons, and got to see where the major decisions in Britain are made."