§ Mr. SteenTo ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the cost to public funds is of the accommodation review being undertaken by HOK International Ltd.; and for what reason the review is not being undertaken in-house. [59780]
§ Mr. Kirkwood[holding answer 10 June 2002]: The cost of the accommodation review is £169,700. HOK International Ltd. is assisting the Serjeant at Arms and a project team representing all Departments of the House to carry out the review of the House of Commons estate on behalf of the Board of Management. The consultancy was let to bring in expertise and resources not available in-house. The aim of the review is to identify options and to make recommendations that will assist the House in forming its accommodation strategy over the period 2003–08.