§ Mr. du Cannasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements have been made to enable Parliament to meet in the event of a major Thames flood in central London.
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§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergAll reasonable measures have already been taken to protect the Palace of Westminster itself in the unlikely event of a flood occurring before the Thames flood barrier is completed. However, in this event, hon. Members might be unable to reach the Palace for some time because of flood water in the immediate area. Although the risk remains small, I have, with the agreement of the responsible authorities in both Houses, authorised the preparation of contingency plans for the House to meet in the Connaught Rooms, off Kingsway, for a limited period should this prove necessary. Detailed arrangements are being made by my Department in conjunction with officers and officials of the House.