§ Lord Stoddart of Swindonasked the Chairman of Committees:
What was the cost of the internal refurbishment carried out in the Palace of Westminster during the summer recess, and what proportion related to the necessity to renew furniture in accordance with the health and safety regulations.
§ The Chairman of CommitteesInternal refurbishment is carried out throughout the Palace of Westminster on a continuing basis. The cost of the majority of work is shared with the House of Commons on a 40:60 basis and the expenditure on internal refurbishment during this financial year will be in the region of £950,000. It is, however, difficult to arrive at a figure which relates to internal refurbishment alone during the summer recess 1994. Most of the furniture in the Parliamentary Estate meets current British Health and Safety recommendations but £30,000 will be spent this financial year to bring it up to standard.