§ Mr. Nichollsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average temperature of the heating maintained in the House; and what is the estimated annual cost of heating at this level during 1984–85; and the estimated saving involved if the temperature were reduced by 15 per cent.
§ Sir George YoungWhen the House is sitting, the temperature in the communal areas of the Palace of Westminster is normally around 69 °F. The estimated cost of heating the whole of the Parliamentary Estate in 1984–85 is £331,000, but fuel costs are recorded in total without differentiating between heating and other uses, or between the Palace and other buildings. A 15 per cent. reduction in temperature might save some £70,000 but the resultant temperature (586°F) would be below the mandatory minimum for offices laid down in the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963.