HC Deb 29 October 1985 vol 84 c385W
Mr. Hayes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will seek to deter seagulls from the Terrace of the Houses of Parliament; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what plans he has to expedite the removal of seagull droppings from the Terrace of the Houses of Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Sir George Young

Unfortunately, my right hon. Friend has no powers of control over visits to the Terrace of uninvited birds, whether seagulls or any other variety. Such visitors have been unusually prolific this year, perhaps due to the improved catering facilities, the hospitality of Members, or the declining prospects over the river at County Hall. The normal cleaning arrangements have been adjusted to cope with the additional burden falling on them.

Mr. Lofthouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the cost of cleaning the fabric of the Houses of Parliament since 1979.

Sir George Young

The programme of stonework repair, restoration and conservation began in July 1981. Costs of each phase so far are as follows:

£
Phase I New Palace Yard 293,700
Phase II House of Lords, West Front 761,000
Phase III Speaker's Green 614,000
Phase IV Clock Tower *1,750,000
Phase V Terrace *1,800,000
*Estimated