Question

The Senior Deputy Speaker whether the Palace of Westminster will be deep cleaned prior to the return of the House in September.

The Senior Deputy Speaker has asked me, as Chair of the Services Committee, to respond on his behalf. The Palace of Westminster and outbuildings will continue to be cleaned throughout the recess period, following the Public Health England guidelines for non-healthcare premises. In anticipation of the return of the House following the recess, before the House sits, the Chamber will be given a full clean to include all surfaces used by members and staff. Surfaces and areas around the Chamber will also be cleaned with sanitiser including; Royal Gallery, Prince’s Chamber and Peers’ Lobby. Heritage items in these areas will continue to be treated in line with the appropriate guidance.
As is currently in place; an enhanced cleaning regime will continue when the House returns, with hourly cleaning of contact points around the Chamber and the Principal Floor. Elsewhere in the Palace, more frequent cleaning of the toilets, tea points, kitchens and contact points will continue to take place. Hand sanitiser will continue to be supplied at all entrances and access points across the Estate.