§ Mr. John Carlisleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what contingency plans exist in the event of flooding of the Palace of Westminster from the River Thames; how these differ from the plans of 1982; what is the estimated cost of implementation; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Sir George YoungUntil June 1983 contingency plans were maintained to prevent minor flooding of the Palace of Westminster or, in the event of major flooding, for the evacuation of Parliament to alternative site in London. Following the completion of the Thames barrier, and after full consultation with the authorities of the two Houses, these plans have been allowed to lapse. No costs are now incurred for the prevention of flooding of the palace.