§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee how the building of Portcullis House has been funded; to which Vote on Account the expenditure is being charged; what was the original estimated cost of this building; and what is the estimated final outcome cost. [41080]
§ Sir Sydney Chapman[holding answer 11 May 1998]: The House of Commons Commission approved the final sketch design estimate in 1993 at the prices then prevailing with an allowance forecasting the possible rate of inflation in construction costs until the work is completed. Since 1993 changes to the brief and the cost 163W of the delayed handover of the site by London Underground Ltd. have accounted for the difference between the 1993 forecast of £219m and the current figure of £250m. The work is funded from Class 18A Vote 2, House of Commons Works Services.