Question

To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross representing the House of Commons Commission, how much is being spent on works between Canon Row and Norman Shaw North; and what benefits to the functioning of the House will result from those works.

The value of the contract works for resurfacing the Canon Row carriageway and the pavings around the north and west sides of Norman Shaw North is £372,857 excluding VAT.

The paving stones in both Canon Row and around Norman Shaw North are either lifting or breaking up. By relaying the carriageways in asphalt rather than replacing the stones, future maintenance costs will be reduced. In addition, the provision of a smooth surface will make it easier and safer to walk on (there having been several reported trips and slips) and to move heavy items in and out of the buildings. The opportunity is being taken to improve the cycle parking area to allow for a potential increase in cycle usage.