§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what investigations have been made into the location and potential dangers to hon. Members, staff and visitors of asbestos in the Palace of Westminster.
§ Mr. ChopeThe parliamentary works office maintains a register of the locations of all known asbestos in the Palace of Westminster and outbuildings. These are inspected annually to check for signs of deterioration. The register has been built up through routine building maintenance inspections of the entire parliamentary estate and tests carried out when work is done which is likely to uncover previously hidden asbestos. All potentially dangerous asbestos is removed.
§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any proposals to undertake maintenance work to the great clock this year.
§ Mr. ChopeFollowing one of the regular inspections of the clock it has been decided to replace part of the mechanism which is showing signs of fatigue. This will necessitate stopping the hour strike for up to 12 weeks and all chiming and striking for two days whilst the mechanism is disconnected and when it is reconnected. The work will start on Monday 26 March.