§ Norman BakerTo ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission on which dates Big Ben has(a) shown an incorrect time and (b) failed to sound since 1 May 1994. [170086]
§ Sir Archy KirkwoodBig Ben is the name of the hour bell of the Great Clock rather than of the clock itself. Accuracy adjustments. usually within one or two seconds, are undertaken three times a week. Variations of this nature are caused by changes in temperature. The clock has been stopped for repair purposes for four periods since 1994 and work on the quarter chimes has taken place on seven occasions. In the latter cases the clock was not stopped.
1673WThe most recent failure of the quarter chimes took place on 29 April and was caused by an internal stress fracture affecting the brake release shaft. It is intended to install the new shaft during the evening of 8 May, when the hour strike brake release shaft, fly fan and other components will be examined for any similar problem by a specialist company.