§ Mr. RoweTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide a progress report on phase I of the new parliamentary building now being constructed in Parliament street.
§ Mr. ChopeUnder the terms of the contract let to Fairclough Building Ltd. in May 1987, construction of the building was required to be completed in May 1990. Although the work was already behind schedule, until January 1989 the contractor assured the Department that it saw no reason why the contract should not be completed on time, though it would be in a better position to report following a review in April 1989. Following that review the contractor has now reported that, unfortunately, the work will not be completed until October 1990, a delay of live and a half months. On the assumption that Fairclough Building Ltd. achieve its revised forecast the building will not now be ready for occupation until the Easter recess, 1991.
I have provided the New Building Sub-Committee with a detailed report on how this situation has developed and the action that has been taken. I understand that the Sub-Committee will be taking evidence after the House returns from the summer adjournment.