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Written question asked by David Amess (Conservative) on Tuesday, 17 July 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 September 2012. It was answered by Viscount Thurso (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 4 September 2012 on behalf of the House of Commons Commission.

Palace of Westminster: Sewers

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission if the Commission will take steps to ensure that pedestrian access to the Palace of Westminster is not periodically impeded by inadequate rainwater drainage on St. Margaret's Street; what record the Commission holds on the occasions when this has occurred during the last 12 months; what recent discussions he has had with Westminster City Council on this issue; what response was received; what representations he has received since January 2012 from (a) hon. Members, (b) Members of the House of Lords and (c) members of the public; and if he will make a statement.

[118339]

Answer

The rainwater drains in St Margaret's Street are the responsibility of Westminster city council (WCC). Over the last 12 months these drains have been reported to the Parliamentary Estates Directorate (PED) Helpdesk once (by a member of House staff) as being blocked and causing an obstruction, and during this period PED staff also noted the blockage on three further occasions. On each occasion, PED made representations to WCC to attend to the blockage and carry out robust remedial works. WCC attended and cleared the blockage on each occasion. There was no build-up of rainwater in the area following the torrential downpour on 25 August, and PED has written to WCC to confirm that WCC has achieved a long-term solution. No representations from hon. Members, Members of the House of Lords or Members of the public have been received on this matter.

If the hon. Member has further concerns on this matter, the Parliamentary Director of Estates would be happy to discuss them with him.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
118339; 549 c320W
Session
2012-13
Subjects
Access Palace of Westminster Pedestrians Sewers
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk