Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 6 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 13 December 2000. It was answered by Sydney Chapman (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 December 2000 on behalf of the Accommodation and Works Committee.

Accommodation and Works Select Committee

Question: To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee, on what date the Committee authorised expenditure on fig trees for the atrium of Portcullis House; and what budget was allocated for this purpose. - Including figures.

Answer: Mr. Baker: To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee on what date the Committee authorised expenditure on fig trees for the atrium of Portcullis House; and what budget was allocated for this purpose. [142134] Sir Sydney Chapman: The proposal to build Portcullis House, which was approved by the House in 1993, from the outset included a covered courtyard with large scale planting. The design for the courtyard subsequently evolved in consultation with The Speaker's Advisory Committee on Works of Art, whose recommendation for the current scheme my Committee accepted. The budget was £183,000.

Secondary information