HC Deb 24 July 2002 vol 389 cc1167-8W
Mr. Banks

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what arrangements have been made for re-siting the bust of the right hon. Sir Edward Heath by Martin Jennings within the Palace of Westminster. [73638]

Mr. Kirkwood

I have been asked to reply.

Hon. Members will wish to know that Mr. Speaker has amended the "10-year rule", governing the display of representations of politicians in the main building of the Palace. A portrait, bust or statue of a politician other than a Prime Minister may be displayed once 10 years have passed after their death. A portrait, bust or statue of a former Prime Minister may now be displayed either once five years have passed after their death, or when three Parliaments have elapsed after they have resigned the office of Prime Minister (provided they are no longer Members of the House and that a minimum of 12 years has elapsed), whichever of these events comes first. There remain no restrictions on the siting of representations of living politicians in the outbuildings of the Palace.

Accordingly the bust of Sir Edward Heath may now be displayed in the main building of the Palace. It is the intention that it should be sited in Members' Lobby from later this year.

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