HC Deb 01 July 1999 vol 334 c239W
Sir Sydney Chapman

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what assessment the Commission has received of the Portcullis House project; and if he will make a statement. [89516]

Mr. Kirkwood

In February the House of Commons Commission appointed Messrs Northcroft, Chartered Quantity Surveyors and Construction Consultants, to undertake a mid-term review of the Portcullis House project, including an analysis of changes in the cost; to consider whether the current cost estimate and timetable are realistic and whether there is a case for modifying any aspects of the project to reduce costs and improve value for money; and to provide any comparisons with other comparable buildings.

The report has now been received. Its key conclusion is that, when account is taken of the quality, the long lifespan of the building and other relevant factors, the building provides value for money for the House. Other main findings are that: the project will be delivered within the budget and programme; the project under construction closely reflects the scheme approved by the House in May 1993; and he team is totally committed to delivering the approved scheme.

While the report acknowledges that the cost of the project is high, it records that account has to be taken of the particular reasons and the quality of the building.

The report contains a number of detailed recommendations that Northcroft believe will help assure delivery within the programme and budget. These will now be considered and implemented as appropriate.

The Executive Summary of the report is available in the Vote Office. The full text of the Report has been deposited in the Library.

Good progress has continued to be made since the fieldwork for the report was undertaken in January and February, reinforcing the views of the consultants about the programme and budget. There is now every prospect of the work being completed three or four weeks in advance of the current programme and of the final cost being some £15 million below budget. The project team will explore opportunities for further improvements while they continue to strive to achieve a high quality building.