Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker how many members of both Houses have accepted the Restoration and Renewal Programme’s invitation to visit the Palace of Westminster basement to view the underground services before the presentation of fully costed proposals expected by the end of the year.

The R&R Programme offers tours of the Palace of Westminster, starting in Royal Court and including the medieval Cloister Court and the basement, for members, staff of both Houses, and members’ staff. Attendees are provided with an insight into the work already being undertaken to maintain the Palace as well as an understanding of the future works needed and the challenges facing the Palace.

Since 2015, 292 members have been on a Palace R&R tour, comprising of 175 MPs and 117 Peers. Of the current members of either House, 193 members have been on a Palace R&R tour, comprising of 93 MPs and 100 Peers.