New Parliamentary Building

HC Deb 09 November 1998 vol 319 cc1-2W

Mr. Hawkins

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee if he will report progress on the New Parliamentary Building. [58682]

Sir Sydney Chapman

I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 10 December 1997,Official Report, column 578, in which I reported that it is planned that the House will be able to occupy the building from the beginning of 2001. That remains so and the estimated cost is also unchanged.

The contractor who is erecting the frame of the building has experienced delays, including the supply of concrete below the specified strength, which subsequently had to be cut out and replaced. As a consequence, some contingent time has been absorbed, but an analysis of the programme has identified ways of saving time if this should become necessary to secure the planned occupation date.