Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the right hon. Member for East Hampshire, representing the Parliamentary Works Sponsor Body, what assessment of air quality has been made as part of the plans for refurbishing the Palace of Westminster.

An initial desk-based assessment of existing data regarding air quality in the vicinity of the Palace of Westminster has been conducted as part of the Restoration and Renewal Programme, and a further assessment will be conducted to provide more accurate and up to date data. These assessments will inform the development of the designs and business case for the restoration works.

The Sponsor Body has agreed a strategic objective to mitigate the environmental impact of the Programme during the construction phase and to minimise the impact in relation to the Palace's future operation, in line with its statutory obligations. This objective has been endorsed by the Commissions of both Houses and will be kept under review as the Programme progresses.