§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what was the cost to the Palace of Westminster of the new carpet which was put down during the spring recess in the Cloisters offices and other places; why it was necessary to replace the existing carpet; how long it had been there; what was the cost of replacement; what happened to the old carpet; and if he will make a statement on carpet replacement in the Palace of Westminster and on the estate.
§ Mr. Ray PowellThe programme of planned maintenance and replacement of carpets in the Palace of Westminster is the responsibility of the Director of Works and is determined by their condition and the need to maintain adequate standards of safety. The replacement of the carpet in the Cloisters was two years overdue. Expenditure for the carpet replacement programme is included in the annual and 10-year rolling programmes of works which are considered by the Accommodation and Works Committee and the Finance and Services Committee before being submitted for approval by the Commission.