§ Dr. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what criteria are applied in the Palace of Westminster for determining lighting and ventilation standards in the office areas, and if he will arrange for an independent review of their adequacy.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerThe lighting standard applied by the Property Services Agency to office areas in the Palace of Westminster is 350 lux, which is a measure of brightness. In office areas with openable windows ventilation is mostly by natural means alone; in other office areas the agency applies the criteria recommended in the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers guide and London borough byelaws.
The provision of satisfactory lighting and ventilation in the Palace, and the associated operational problems, are subject to ongoing review; although I do not consider that a general review of this wholly atypical building would serve a useful purpose at this juncture. But if the hon. Member has any particular areas in view that require more light being thrown upon them, I will see what can be done.