§ Rear-Admiral Morgan-Gilesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment for how many weeks the lift service within the Palace of Westminster has been suspended; what action he proposes to ensure that this is restored; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarksIn answer to the first part of this Question, strictly speaking, the lift service in the Palace of Westminster has never been suspended—there have always been some lifts working. Breakdowns began on 1st November and have gradually escalated. There is a dispute with the Property Services Agency's lift maintenance fitters over the effects of current pay policy and the payment of craft allowances and this is still being considered.