Written question asked by David Amess (Conservative) on Tuesday, 6 September 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 8 September 2011. It was answered by Viscount Thurso (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 12 September 2011 on behalf of the House of Commons Commission.

Roads

Question: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission which postholder was responsible for the authorisation of works in Bridge street, Westminster; what the timetable is for completion; and what the expected cost to the public purse is of the works.

Answer: The works in Bridge street are part of a project to provide improved security around the Northern Estate. It is being implemented by Westminster city council with funding by both Houses of Parliament. The project was endorsed by the Joint Committee on Security, and follows similar work elsewhere in Whitehall. Business case approval was given by officials in accordance with established procedures. The cost for the whole project was capped at £5.7 million, and the current forecast is within this limit. Works in Bridge street are due to be completed by the end of this year; however, the contractor is examining ways to finish sooner than this.Decisions on the authorisations of works are made under delegations given by the House of Commons Commission, and in line with criteria set by Member committees where appropriate. It is not the Commission's practice to publish names of individual staff who took particular decisions.

Secondary information