§ Mr. CohenTo ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission if he will make a statement on the provision of fire fighters to tackle a fire in the Palace of Westminster; what changes have been made to the staff complement in each of the last three years; and what particular provisions apply to deal with the special nature of the building. [16519]
§ Mr. BeithI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Thurrock (Mr. Mackinlay) on 8 March 1995,Official Report, column 218. As a result of the recent review of the fire section by the staff inspector in conjunction with the staff adviser of the House of Lords a complement of one principal fire officer, four senior fire officers and 24 fire officers has been agreed. This will be subject to review in two years" time. Particular provisions to minimise the fire risk within the Palace of Westminster are specified in the fire strategy for the Palace of Westminster and parliamentary outbuildings which was approved by the relevant Committees of both Houses in 1993. I have asked the Serjeant at Arms to write to the hon. Member with further details.