Palace of Westminster

Lord Stoddart of Swindon Excerpts

Monday 29th November 2010 Lords Chamber

[The Chairman of Committees]

My Lords, a September sitting does incur additional works expenditure because of the need to accelerate or delay individual projects. The extra costs involved will, of course, vary each summer depending on the proposed schedule of works. Last summer, we estimated that a September sitting in the House of Lords would have added approximately £1.3 million to the cost of shared and Lords-only projects. Those concerned were made aware of those figures.

[Lord Stoddart of Swindon]

In the light of the need for an uninterrupted run of work, particularly on engineering and electrical works, is it not unfortunate that the House has been called to sit in September 2011, which will of course interrupt that essential work?

[The Chairman of Committees]

My Lords, I rather think I just answered that very question for the noble Baroness. I do not think that I have any more to add to what I have just said.