HC Deb 21 October 1991 vol 196 cc637-8
42. Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Lord President of the Council if he has any plans to seek to retain the marquee on the terrace all the year round; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. MacGregor

There are no plans at present to keep the terrace pavilion in operation for the whole year. Any permanent construction would need planning permission from Westminster city council and the approval of the Royal Fine Art Commission and English Heritage. It is unlikely that the terrace pavilion, while appropriate for its present use, would be considered a suitable permanent structure.

Mr. Greenway

Does my right hon. Friend accept that, even if planning permission would be hard to come by, the terrace pavilion is a useful facility he should explore ways in which it can be maintained all the year round in view of its popularity and the demand for it?

Mr. MacGregor

My hon. Friend is certainly right about the demand for it. The facilities have been well received and have been heavily booked by hon. Members. Having the pavilion all the year round, which was examined by the Service Committee in the past, would involve problems at times of year when it is not currently used. I refer to problems of wear and tear, and possibly even loss of the whole facility. Maintenance and refurbishment would have to be done on site, too, and it is felt that that is more effectively done elsewhere. However, it is a matter that the Services Committee, or its successor under the Ibbs proposals, could bear in mind.

Mr. Dick Douglas (Dunfermline, West)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

I will take the statement first.