§ Lord Cocks of Hartcliffeasked the Chairman of Committees:
Whether, in the light of the criticism of English Heritage by the House of Commons Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee (HC 477-I), the Director of Parliamentary Works intends to proceed with the tendering process for the £2.44 million Old Palace Yard project before the House has had a further opportunity to consider this matter. [HL464]
§ The Chairman of Committees (Lord Boston of Faversham)The Old Palace Yard restoration scheme was extensively considered by the House and its committees and was finally approved by the House, on division, on 18 November 1998. The project will enhance the setting of the Palace of Westminster, and significantly improve a public open space of great historical importance.
English Heritage is only one of a number of organisations to liiave indicated their support. For example, Westminster City Council, the Westminster Abbey authorities, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Royal Parks Agency, the Royal Fine Art Commission and the International Council for Monuments and Sites have all endorsed the project.
In the light of these circumstances, I do not consider that the comments about English Heritage by the House of Commons Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee in paragraph 127 of their Report on Town and Country Parks justify a reconsideration of the project by the House.