§ Mr. VazTo ask the Prime Minister how many injuries have occurred in Downing street due to(a) road traffic accidents, (b) pedestrians tripping over uneven paving slabs and (c) other causes for each of the past 10 years; what compensation the victims received; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterAs far as I am aware there have been no road traffic accidents in Downing street. The responsibility for compensating individuals in the event of tripping over uneven paving slabs rests with Westminster city council.
§ Mr. VazTo ask the Prime Minister how often the front of 10 Downing street is(a) painted and (b) cleaned; whether the work is contracted out; what is the cost to public funds; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThere is no set frequency for the external painting of No. 10 Downing street. The windows were last painted in 1984 and the front door in 1988. The brickwork of the Downing street elevation is stained black and was last restained in 1962.
External decorating work is undertaken by contractors. The cost of repainting the external woodwork of Nos. 10, 11, and 12 Downing street was £16,000 in 1984.
§ Mr. VazTo ask the Prime Minister whether the postmen who deliver mail to 10 Downing street have to(a) hold a pass and (b) be accompanied by a police officer; and how many postal deliveries 10 Downing street receives each day; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterNo. 10 receives the normal number of postal deliveries. As regards the other parts of the hon. Member's question it is not the practice to comment on security matters of this kind.