HC Deb 23 November 1994 vol 250 cc189-90W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what steps he takes on a daily basis to ensure that tradesmen's vehicles, refuse collection trucks, post office vehicles and other motor vehicles do not obstruct access to or prevent parking in the Norman Shaw north car park on the part of hon. Members or their staff.

Mr. Michael J. Martin

The arrangements for parking are kept under regular review by the Administration Committee. If the hon. Gentleman has details of any specific difficulties being experienced I shall invite the Committee to consider them.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what consultations he has had with right hon. and hon. Members with offices in the Norman Shaw Buildings before proceeding with the redevelopment of the car park at those buildings; what was the total cost of that work; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael J. Martin

As a consequence of work commencing on the phase 2 site the Administration Committee gave approval for the five parking spaces in Canon Row reserved for residents of the phase 1 building to be transferred to the area in the Norman Shaw car park between the main gates and the entrance barrier. In order to compensate for these spaces, an additional six spaces were provided in the inner courtyard of Norman Shaw north. Members with rooms in the Norman Shaw buildings were informed of these revised arrangements in a notice issued by the Serjeant at Arms on 2 February. The removal of the security hut at the Embankment entrance this summer has enabled the layout of the Norman Shaw car parks to be improved with an overall gain of a further six spaces. The total cost of the redevelopment work was £43,400 including VAT.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee (1) what consultations he had with right hon. and hon. Members with offices in the Norman Shaw Buildings before proceeding with the installation of card-controlled access gates in the tunnel giving access to the Palace from Westminster underground station; what was the total cost of that work; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what consultations he had with right hon. and hon. Members with offices in the Norman Shaw Buildings before proceeding with the provision of new security gate access facilities at those buildings; what was the total cost of that work; and if he will make a statement;

(3) what consultations he had with right hon. and hon. Members with offices in Norman Shaw Buildings before proceeding with the development of card-controlled access equipment to the rear door of the Norman Shaw North Building; what was the total cost of that work; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ray Powell

The installation of automatic access controls at these entrances is in line with the policy on access to the precincts approved by the House in 1989. It is not the practice to publish details of the costs of security measures which have been implemented.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee how many parking spaces at the Norman Shaw Buildings are currently allocated to staff with residences within the Palace and its outbuildings; and who are the staff concerned.

Mr. Michael J. Martin

Six spaces are allocated to the following: the Speaker's Secretary; the Clerk of the House; the Serjeant at Arms; the Deputy Serjeant at Arms; the Head Office Keeper and the Second Office Keeper.