§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what measures were taken in the design and construction of Portcullis House to protect the building from the threat of flooding; and if he will make a statement on the recent floodings. [140269]
§ Sir Sydney Chapman[holding answer 24 November 2000]: I am assuming that the hon. Member has in mind the two unrelated incidents that have occurred since hon. Members started to move into the building.
The incident on 15 September caused a short lived and precautionary closure of the building. Full details were given in my answer to the hon. Member for Totnes (Mr. Steen) on 31 October 2000, Official Report, column 352W. Measures are now being taken to prevent this problem recurring.
The flooding last week affected the Refreshment Department's kitchens and the post room for a few hours. Although the investigations are not yet complete, there appears to have been a combination of reasons. The tank to one of the water features had been switched to "manual fill", which cut out the automatic shut off when the tank was full. It appears that the overflow pipe did not then discharge the excess water as quickly as it should. The contractor is being required to improve the safety of the system.
§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee when construction work outside Portcullis House will be completed. [140349]
§ Sir Sydney Chapman[holding answer 27 November 2000]: The road works are expected to be completed before Christmas, as is the work to complete the shop fronts and other panelling on the ground floor.
§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what arrangements have been made to facilitate full access by disabled people to Portcullis House while external building works continue. [140348]
§ Sir Sydney Chapman[holding answer 27 November 2000]: Whilst work is under way in Bridge street and the Embankment, access is possible via the underground station and the subway entrance. It is expected, however, that within a few days the work will have progressed sufficiently to permit easier access via Bridge Street and the main entrance.