§ Mr. Hayesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will seek to deter seagulls from the Terrace of the Houses of Parliament; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what plans he has to expedite the removal of seagull droppings from the Terrace of the Houses of Parliament; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungUnfortunately, my right hon. Friend has no powers of control over visits to the Terrace of uninvited birds, whether seagulls or any other variety. Such visitors have been unusually prolific this year, perhaps due to the improved catering facilities, the hospitality of Members, or the declining prospects over the river at County Hall. The normal cleaning arrangements have been adjusted to cope with the additional burden falling on them.
§ Mr. Lofthouseasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the cost of cleaning the fabric of the Houses of Parliament since 1979.
§ Sir George YoungThe programme of stonework repair, restoration and conservation began in July 1981. Costs of each phase so far are as follows:
£ Phase I New Palace Yard 293,700 Phase II House of Lords, West Front 761,000 Phase III Speaker's Green 614,000 Phase IV Clock Tower *1,750,000 Phase V Terrace *1,800,000 *Estimated