§ Mr. Proctorasked the Lord Privy Seal (1) what is the annual cost in each of the last two years of erecting and dismantling the House of Commons marquee on the Terrace; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what was the cost in each of the past two years up to March of repairing and refurbishing the House of Commons Terrace Pavilion, including the facilities for the two bars and the allied services following its dismantling and re-erection; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BiffenThe present awnings for both Houses were new in April 1983 and the cost of erection was included in the purchase price. Since then the Crown Suppliers have let an inclusive competitive contract to cover dismantling, storage, erection and maintenance. It is therefore not possible to quote separate costs for the two Houses, or for repair and refurbishment. The costs for both Houses' awnings, inclusive of VAT, departmental on-costs, and some engineering service costs falling on the Property Services Agency, were:
£ 1983–84 22,479 *1984–85 17,574 * The erection of the awning for this season was after March 1985 and has not yet been brought to account. In addition, two extensions were provided for the Commons awnings in May 1984 at a cost of £4,669.