§ Mr. RooneyTo ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what is the timetable for the connecting up to the PDVN of the remaining parts of the Palace of Westminster. [31534]
§ Sir Sydney ChapmanThe timetable for installation of the Parliamentary Data and Video Network (PDVN) has been planned to coincide with other work such as the new fire detection system, asbestos removal, electrical rewiring and the voice alarm system. The majority of Members' offices will be provided with full access to the PDVN by the end of 2000. However, it has been decided that some areas, such as the offices in Commons Court, St. Stephen's Tower and Norman Shaw South should be connected to the PDVN when they are refurbished. These areas are scheduled for refurbishment after completion of Portcullis house.
To assist occupants of offices in areas of the estate which are not yet connected to the PDVN, temporary connections can quickly be made available to individual hon. Members' offices on request. The Parliamentary Communications Directorate is also experimenting with a wireless system, which, if successful, might provide an additional cost-effective means of connection to the PDVN.