Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker whether he and the Commission will seek to ensure that heritage concerns do not prevent the immediate installation of automated access control systems for four designated doors to the Chamber of the House.

The planned works to install pass readers and door automation were not able to be completed during the summer recess due to previously unidentified void spaces and encaustic tiles under the doors. The hidden voids were not visible in the pre-installation surveys that were undertaken.

I am informed that the Strategic Estates project team is engaging with teams across the House of Lords to identify the appropriate resolution to ensure the appropriate balance of accessibility, security, heritage, and value for money considerations. The House of Lords Services Committee were last updated on the project on Tuesday 9 September, following a Paper on Tuesday 24 June, and an update on the Automated Doors will be given by the Clerk of the Parliaments at the next meeting of the Commission on Wednesday 17 September.