Written question asked by Lynne Jones (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 October 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 October 2000. It was answered by Sydney Chapman (Conservative) on Monday, 30 October 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, what the cost is of (a) four two-drawer pedestal units and (b) a four-drawer filing cabinet specified for use in Portcullis House; who took the decision that only the former could be made available in honourable Members' offices in Portcullis House; and what surveys have been conducted on honourable Members' preferences for methods of storage of files.

Answer: Dr. Lynne Jones: To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what the cost is of (a) four two-drawer pedestal units and (b) a four- drawer filing cabinet specified for use in Portcullis House; who took the decision that only the former could be made available in hon. Members' offices in Portcullis House; what surveys have been conducted on hon. Members' preferences for methods of storage of files. [134261] Sir Sydney Chapman: One of the responsibilities of the Select Committee is to consider the requirements of hon. Members as construction projects are progressed. In developing the proposals for the fitting out of the offices in Portcullis House, the Committee was aware of the ever-growing demand for both work surfaces and storage space in the offices of hon. Members and their staff. It concluded, therefore, that after the basic provision of storage and filing space in the wall cupboards, the most effective use of the available floor space would be achieved by providing flexible two and three drawer pedestals that could be housed under the workbenches. The matter of cost was not, therefore, a factor in our deliberations.

Secondary information