HC Deb 09 November 1976 vol 919 c104W
Mr. Newton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements he is making for improved inspection procedures to avert future accidents to Big Ben.

Mr. Marks

In future a complete inspection of all the clock's mechanisms will be made every 10 years. My Department, in consultation with the Atomic Energy Research Establishment, which recently carried out specialist tests on the mechanisms, is also considering a programme for more frequent inspection of the vital parts.