Written question asked by Lord Colwyn (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Brabazon of Tara (Non-affiliated) on Monday, 8 October 2007.

Palace of Westminster: Power Supply

Question: asked the Chairman of Committees:How many times the heavy machinery working between the Palace of Westminster and Old Palace Yard during the summer recess accidentally (a) cut off the main power supply, and (b) cut off the back-up power supply; and what is the estimated cost of repairs and the loss in ticket sales to the Palace of Westminster visitor ticket office in Old Palace Yard.

Answer: During the week commencing 13 August the back-up supply cable to 7 Old Palace Yard was damaged by the contractor working on the road outside. At this time the cable was not being used as the mains supply was intact. Before the cable could be repaired the contractor damaged the main supply cable. The damage cut all power to Old Palace Yard. This cable was repaired later that same evening by EDF Energy (the main electricity supplier). The back-up cable was replaced during the first weekend of September. The cost of repairs to the back-up cable was approximately £7,000 plus VAT. The Palace of Westminster visitor ticket office lost approximately £2,000 in revenue during the period of the power cut due to the inability to process credit card payments. This was the only instance of loss of power supply during the Summer Recess up to 10 September. Should there be a further loss of power during the coming month I will provide additional information.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5272; 695 c1WA
Session: 2006-07
Notes: Question should have been printed on 1 October.
Subjects: Costs Damage Electric cables Palace of Westminster Power failures Sales Roads Repairs and maintenance Parliamentary tours Recess Old Palace Yard Ticket offices
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk