§ Mr. John Mooreasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total floor space utilised for office usage within the precincts of the Palace of Westminster.
§ Mr. ArmstrongAbout 143,200 square feet.
§ Mr. John Mooreasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total floor space provided for Members of Parliament and their secretaries within the precincts of the Palace of Westminster.
§ Mr. ArmstrongAbout 79,900 square feet is provided for use as offices.
§ Mr. MacFarquharasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the programme for the redecoration works currently being undertaken in the Clock Tower of the Palace of Westminster.
303W
§ Mr. ArmstrongThe redecoration of the roof interior above the lantern was completed on 2nd December 1975, the lantern level on 17th December 1975, and the area between the lantern and the belfry on 31st December 1975. Work in the belfry began on 31st December and in the clock mechanism room on 12th January 1976 and is still in progress. It will be necessary to close down the striking and chiming mechanism from 9 a.m. on Tuesday 20th January until 12 noon Thursday 22nd January while the areas in the immediate vicinity of the striking mechanism, including the lever arms, are repainted and the bells cleaned. The clock itself will not be stopped.