HC Deb 02 August 1976 vol 916 cc650-1W
Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment on whose decision all the carpets in Members' rooms in the Upper Committee Corridor are to be replaced; whether this decision has been requested or endorsed by the Services Committee; when these carpets were newly laid, and at what cost per square yard; why it is the policy of his Department that if a carpet has to be lifted, it cannot be put down again, and must be renewed, in view of the fact that most taxpayers do not find it impossible to relay carpets; what the cost of the new carpets will be; what will be the method of disposal of the old carpets, the estimated revenue from the sale of them and the net cost of the replacement; and whether in this respect he will ensure that his Department conforms to the Government's policy of bringing expenditure under control.

Mr. Armstrong

This replacement in 25 rooms in Upper Committee Corridor North, 11 rooms in Upper Committee Corridor Central, and in the Upper Committee Corridor North and Central, is a part of the continuing programme of recarpeting in the House of Commons, for which my Department is responsible. It is not specifically requested by the Services Committee, Members have, however, requested that thicker carpets should be used to improve soundproofing.

The existing carpets were first laid in 1965 and with underlay cost 52s. 3d. per square yard. They have been taken up and relaid many times to allow various works to telephone cables, etc., to be done at Members' request. This, besides 11 years' normal wear and tear, has made them shabby in appearance and in some cases dangerous.

It is not the policy of the Department that carpets should not be relaid. The usable parts of these carpets will be put in store against the need to repair or replace parts of other identical carpet. The cost of the new standard Wilton carpet plus underlay is £8,678. There will be no rebate from the sale of the old carpet since that which cannot be re-used will have no commercial value.

I shall continue to ensure that expenditure by the Department in the Palace of Westminster, as elsewhere, remains under control.