§ Mr. David ShawTo ask the hon. Member for Berwick upon Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission, what plans exist to replace the carpets in the Palace of Westminster and in the buildings which contain hon. Members' offices; and what are the current arrangements for cleaning them by(a) electric Hoover and (b) shampoo equipment.
§ Mr. BeithCarpets in the Palace of Westminster and its outbuildings are replaced on the basis of a rolling programme of planned maintenance, or whenever necessary. A new cleaning contract for the Palace and its outbuildings is being prepared. It will include among its specifications required standards for cleaning carpets.
The Serjeant at Arms includes among his responsibilities oversight of arrangements for cleaning those parts of the Palace and its outbuildings under the control of the House. Any matters of specific concern about these matters should be addressed to him.