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Accommodation and Works Select Committee

Answer

Tom Cox: To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what requirements were stipulated to contractors working on the refurbishment of Bellamy's cafeteria with respect to (a) hours of work, (b) noise levels of works and (c) dust levels; and if he will make a statement on when the work will be finished. [189525] Derek Conway: The contractor is required to comply with the Control of Noise (Code of Practice for Construction and Open Sites) Order 1984 Regulations and BS 5228, the Code of Practice for Noise Control on Construction and Demolition Sites. The contractor is further required to comply with any local authority restrictions. Construction methodology and timing of work are reviewed with the contractor on a regular basis. The control of dust is covered by conditions in the contract relating to nuisance under which the contractor is required to take all reasonable precautions to prevent such nuisance. The contractor also has responsibilities under health and safety legislation. One of the project's stipulations is that the work to refurbish Bellamy's Kitchen must be completed within the summer months when the House is in recess, including the two week September return; a period of some 10 weeks. Given the significant amount of work involved maximum flexibility has been afforded: 24 hours per day, seven days a week working is available. The works were forecast to be completed by the return of the House.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

425 c263W; 189525

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Catering House of Commons Health and safety Repairs and maintenance 1 Parliament Street