Question

To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, whether the Commission is taking steps to enable public access to Saint Stephen’s Cloisters at appropriate times.

In the long-term, we are committed to enabling public access to the St Stephen's Cloister. At present this is not possible because the condition of the stonework is very poor.

One bay within the Cloister was conserved as a trial project. This will inform the next phase of repair, which is currently being developed. Our intention is to develop proposals to repair both the stonework and the roofs, with a view to conservation works starting on site by 2025.

Once this work is complete, public access to Cloister Court should be possible; however, due to current access routes and its proximity to Members’ Entrance, access will need to be carefully managed.