§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the dimensions and estimated costs of the Members' Entrance canopy now under construction in New Palace Yard; what instructions he received from the Services Committee concerning the design and cost of this canopy; and who authorised the design and expenditure, respectively.
§ Mr. ArmstrongThe overall dimensions of the Members' Entrance canopy are width 12 ft 4 in., depth 17 ft 7 in. 151W and height 8 ft 6 in. The estimated cost is £26,830 although some saving is expected.
The new canopy, a replacement for the porch which had to be demolished to allow the construction of the underground car park, was designed in consultation with the Services Committee, the Royal Fine Art Commission, and the Westminster City Council.
My Department, acting under Treasury authority approved the expenditure. The cost reflects the desirability of designing the canopy, which is similar to the one at the Speaker's entrance, in a style appropriate to its setting and the incorporation of additional features, including those concerned with security.