Question

To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, with reference to the Restoration and Renewal Client Board’s proposals for a permanent Education Centre within the Palace of Westminster, what assessment the Commission has made of the likelihood of delivering a replacement Education Centre before the expiry of the current facility’s licence in 2030; what contingency plans are in place should a permanent facility not be operational by that date; and whether the Commission has made an assessment of the potential impact on parliamentary education and outreach if there is a gap in provision.

Officials are developing options for educational provision both for the period from 2029 (which takes into account the period required to demolish the current centre before the expiry of the current planning and license agreements in 2030) and in the longer term during the Restoration and Renewal (R&R) works. Proposals will be considered by domestic committees in both Houses in due course.