§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Lord President of the Council what is the latest estimate of the costs of building the new House of Commons; how this compares with the previous estimates; what have been the costs to date of removing Members from No. 1 Bridge Street and other offices into Norman Shaw (North); and if he can now say when the building of the new building is to commence.
§ Mr. Edward ShortIt is estimated that the cost of the new parliamentary building designed by Messrs. Spence and Webster, and certain associated works, but excluding the cost of the site, would be at least £30 million at current prices. At the time of the debate on the new parliamentary building in June 1973 the estimated cost on a comparable basis was about £20 million.
The cost of providing accommodation, excluding furnishings, for 128 Members, 130 secretaries and supporting services in the Norman Shaw (North) building was £2.4 million.
As regards the final part of the Question, I would refer to the statement which I made to the House today, 16th July.