§ 35. Norman BakerTo ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if he will make a statement on the maintenance of the great Westminster clock, popularly known as Big Ben. [161276]
§ Sir Archy Kirkwood'Big Ben' is actually the nickname of the hour bell rather than the Great Clock itself. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week clockmakers attend the Clock to inspect it and wind it, and to check the time adjustment. Twice a year the fly fans, brakes and the associated bearings are disassembled and inspected. Metallurgists test the mechanical parts annually.
In addition, a specialist clockmaker is preparing a plan for clock maintenance over the next three years.