Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what assessment has been made of any potential risks of the physical Chamber sitting of the House of Lords to those peers present and the compliance of such presence with Public Health England’s advice on social distancing and restriction on movement.

The Senior Deputy Speaker has asked me, as Chair of the Services Committee, to respond on his behalf. Risk assessments of all regular activities in the Chamber have been undertaken and resulting mitigating actions implemented. These actions include:

• Additional signage highlighting social distancing;
• Floor markings in and around the Chamber to denote 2m distance;
• Signage on the benches to indicate sufficient social distancing for those using them;
• Removal of one of the Crossbenches to ensure an appropriate distance is maintained for wheelchair users;
• Division lobbies set up in Royal Gallery to enable divisions to take place in line with social distancing requirements; and
• Clerks and Doorkeepers issued with guidance on working practices to maintain social distancing.

Public Health England has visited the Estate to review the social distancing measures in place and is content. Virtual proceedings are in place for almost all House business and members are encouraged to work from home.