§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many officials visited the East Cloisters of the House on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 22, 23 and 24 November to inspect a leak in the ceiling; what were the results; and what further action he proposes to take in light of the fact that the leak remains.
§ Sir George YoungFollowing a call from an hon. Member, two members of my parliamentary works office building staff vistited the East Cloisters on Monday 22 November; in the light of their report, three different members of my building staff and two members of my engineering staff visited on Tuesday 23 November. None of my staff visited on Wednesday 24 November.
The initial inspection by building staff discovered no rain-water leaks from roof or gutters. It was concluded that the cause was a leaking radiator above. The radiators were inspected above floor level in the room over the East Cloister occupied by Government Whips. A weeping gland, which was thought to be the source of the problem, was attended to. Unfortunately this action had no effect on the leak.
The floor of the Government Whips' room was taken up after the House rose on the afternoon of Friday 26 92W November to ascertain the source of the leak. Remedial work was carried out over the weekend and it is hoped that the water seepage has been stopped.