§ Mr. MacdonaldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to replace the artificial fibre carpets in the House and its associated buildings; and what steps he is taking to reduce the degree of static electricity in the meantime.
§ Mr. ChopeMost carpeting in the Palace of Westminster is made of an 80 per cent. wool and 20 per cent. nylon mix. There is a limited amount of synthetic fibre carpet, most of which has been modified to prevent static build-up. There are no plans to replace it.
Static electricity is exacerbated when there are low levels of humidity. The Crown Suppliers spray carpets with anti-static fluid when requested to do so.