|
WEDNESDAY 8 DECEMBER 1999
Members present:
Sir Sydney Chapman, in the Chair
Mr Colin Burgon
Sir Patrick Cormack
Mr David Jamieson
| Ms Linda Perham
Sir Raymond Powell
Mr Syd Rapson |
The Committee deliberated.
1. PORTCULLIS HOUSE (AW177–179)
Resolved, That the Committee notes documents AW178 and 178A, detailing those contracts and works undertaken overseas.—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the project progress report for October (AW177); and notes further that the project is ahead of the original programme and under budget.—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the letter from the Chairman of the Administration Committee (AW179) setting out that Committee's views on smoking in Portcullis House; and endorses the view that, in line with current practice, smoking is not to be permitted in any of the "general areas" on the Ground and First Floors.—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the question of smoking in Members' and in their staffs' offices be considered further at a future meeting.—(Mr Syd Rapson.)
2. ASSOCIATE PARLIAMENTARY INTERNET GROUP: ACCOMMODATION (AW180)
Resolved, That the Committee notes that the Associate Parliamentary Internet Group is now content with those facilities available already, or to be made available following the opening of Portcullis House.—(The Chairman.)
3. RETIREMENT OF THE SERJEANT AT ARMS
Resolved, nemine contradicente, That the Committee notes the forthcoming retirement of Mr Peter Jennings CVO; thanks him for his twenty-three years' distinguished service to the House, the last four of which as Serjeant at Arms; thanks him also for his help and advice to the Committee and its predecessors; and wishes him a long, healthy and happy retirement.—(The Chairman.)
[Adjourned till Wednesday 12 January 2000 at half-past Four o'clock.
WEDNESDAY 12 JANUARY 2000
Members present:
Sir Sydney Chapman, in the Chair
Mr Keith Bradley
Mr Colin Burgon
Sir Patrick Cormack
| Sir Raymond Powell
Ms Linda Perham
Mr Syd Rapson |
The Committee deliberated.
1. PORTCULLIS HOUSE
Resolved, That the Committee notes that the results of the Serjeant at Arm's survey on accommodation will be available shortly; and agrees, therefore, that the question of smoking on Members' offices floors be considered at the Committee's next meeting.—(Mr Syd Rapson.)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the project progress report for November (AW181); and notes further that the project is ahead of the original programme and under budget.—(The Chairman.)
2. VISITS TO DEVOLVED LEGISLATURES
The Committee deliberated.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 16 February at half-past Four o'clock.
WEDNESDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2000
Members present:
Sir Sydney Chapman, in the Chair
Mr Colin Burgon
Mr David Chidgey
Sir Patrick Cormack
Mr David Jamieson
| Ms Linda Perham
Sir Raymond Powell
Mr Syd Rapson |
The Committee deliberated.
1. SUBWAY (PALACE—PORTCULLIS HOUSE)
The Committee deliberated.
2. VISITS TO DEVOLVED LEGISLATURES
Resolved, That whilst noting that a visit to the Scottish Parliament and to the National Assembly for Wales would offer the opportunity to examine the furniture and the technical aids provided for their Members, the Committee considers it to be more appropriate to defer a visit until work on the new buildings is further advanced.—(Sir Patrick Cormack.)
3. PORTCULLIS HOUSE (AW182–186)
Resolved, That the Committee notes that, due to the unacceptable rise in its cost, the sculpture planned for the courtyard will not now be proceeded with.—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the project progress reports for December and January (AW182, 183).—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the report by the Accommodation Rationalisation Manager (AW184) concerning the results of the Members' accommodation survey.—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That, whilst noting the views of Mr Burgon, Ms Perham and Mr Rapson that all offices in Portcullis House be designated as "non-smoking", the Committee considers that it be left to the individual Members and members of staff concerned to decide whether or not smoking is permitted in their own offices.—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee endorses the proposals by the Project Director (AW186) that those Members involved in the development of the building, and the project team, be commemorated by a suitable plate or stone, provided it is done in an unobtrusive manner; and agrees, in principle, that the Select Committee and the multi-purpose rooms be "named" after prominent Parliamentarians, rather than simply "numbered".—(The Chairman.)
4. PARCEL RECEPTION CENTRE (DERBY GATE)
Resolved, That the Committee notes with approval the report by the Serjeant at Arms on the establishment of a parcel reception centre in Canon Row, thereby enabling the Commons to be responsible fully for the receipt of its own parcel deliveries.—(The Chairman.)
5. TABLE OF THE OLD HOUSE OF COMMONS (AW187)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the proposal by the Advisory Committee on Works of Art that the Table of the Old House might be re-positioned in St Stephen's Hall; however, being conscious of the need to protect the Table, and of the possible difficulties caused to ingress and egress, is unable, therefore, to endorse the proposal.—(Mr Syd Rapson.)
6. RECYCLING POLICY (AW188)
The Committee deliberated.
7. ENERGY CONSERVATION (AW189)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the posters and handbills distributed to the House's "Energy Savers".—(Mr David Chidgey.)
8. "WORLD SQUARES FOR ALL" (AW190)
The Committee deliberated.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 15 March at half-past Four o'clock.
WEDNESDAY 15 MARCH 2000
Members present:
Sir Sydney Chapman, in the Chair
Mr Keith Bradley
Mr Colin Burgon
Mr David Chidgey
Sir Patrick Cormack
| Mr David Jamieson
Ms Linda Perham
Mr Syd Rapson |
The Committee deliberated.
1. PORTCULLIS HOUSE
Resolved, That the Committee notes that recent media reports, stating that glass panels had fallen from the roof, had been without foundation; and notes further that the Chairman has written to the Editor of Building magazine asking for a retraction to the said story.—(Mr Syd Rapson.)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the project progress report for February (AW191).—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the progress report by the Accommodation Rationalisation Manager.—(The Chairman.)
2. WORKS ON SITTING DAYS
Resolved, That the Committee endorses the proposal by the Director of Parliamentary Works that certain works be undertaken when the House is sitting at times during 2001, particularly in 7 Millbank and to convert the Westminster Hall Cafeteria into the Visitor Centre.—(The Chairman.)
3. "WORLD SQUARES FOR ALL"
Resolved, That the Committee notes that the House of Lords has asked that work to pave Old Palace Yard in granite, to reduce street clutter and to upgrade lighting and street furniture be carried out during the Summer Adjournments 2000, 2001 and 2002.—(The Chairman.)
4. ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS
Ordered, That the Director of Parliamentary Works do raise with Black Rod the Committee's concerns over visitors waiting outside the Norman Porch Entrance having to queue without any sort of cover.—(The Chairman.)
5. "MILLENNIUM SUNDIAL"
Resolved, That the Committee agrees in principle that a sundial might be sited in New Palace Yard; and agrees further that the matter be referred to be Advisory Committee on Works of Art for its consideration.—(Sir Patrick Cormack.)
[Adjourned till Wednesday 19 April at half-past Four o'clock.
WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2000
Members present:
Sir Sydney Chapman, in the Chair
Mr Keith Bradley
Sir Patrick Cormack
Sir Raymond Powell
| Ms Linda Perham
Mr Syd Rapson |
The Committee deliberated.
1. PORTCULLIS HOUSE (AW193, 195)
Ordered, That, considering there to be merit in the architect's proposal for the lightening of the patination used for the roof and fenestration, the Clerk of the Committee do write to the Secretary of the House of Commons Commission setting out the aforementioned proposal; but drawing to the Commission's attention concerns over the possible cost implications.—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the project progress report for March (AW193); and further notes, with approval, that practical completion should be achieved exactly on schedule, ie, within 30 months from the start of the project.—(The Chairman.)
The Committee deliberated further.
2. MRS DEARSLEY'S BEQUEST (AW194)
Resolved, That the Committee notes with approval the design of the stained glass windows for St Stephen's Hall.—(Sir Patrick Cormack.)
Resolved, That the Committee recommends that the balance of the bequest be used to illuminate permanently the roof of Westminster Hall.—(Sir Patrick Cormack.)
Ordered, That the Chairman do write to Madam Speaker seeking her endorsement of the Committee's aforementioned recommendation.—(Sir Patrick Cormack.)
3. "MILLENNIUM SUNDIAL"
Resolved, That the Committee notes that the Advisory Committee on Works of Art has endorsed the Committee's view that it would be appropriate to site a sundial at a suitable place within the precincts, provided it was of a standard worthy of its surroundings.—(The Chairman.)
4. COLE & SON
Resolved, That the Committee notes the assurance by the management of Walker Greenbank that the craftsmen employed by Cole & Son will be retained when the company moves to Loughborough; and notes further that the Director of Parliamentary Works is awaiting a letter of confirmation from the company's Managing Director that Pugin design wallpaper will continue to be available.—(Sir Patrick Cormack.)
[Adjourned till Wednesday 17 May at half-past Four o'clock.
WEDNESDAY 17 MAY 2000
Members present:
Sir Sydney Chapman, in the Chair
Mr Keith Bradley
Sir Patrick Cormack
| Mr David Jamieson
Mr Syd Rapson |
The Committee deliberated.
1. PORTCULLIS HOUSE (AW196, 196A, 198)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the response by the House
of Commons Commission concerning the possible patination of the roof
and fenestration.—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the project progress report for April (AW196) and the report from the Project Director (AW196A) concerning consultants' commissions.—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the report by the Project Director (AW198) concerning future roadworks necessitating the possible closure of both Bridge Street and Westminster Bridge and a partial closure of the Embankment; and agrees that he report back to the Committee at its next meeting with options to reduce such possible disruption.—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee agrees that one of the Select Committee and the multi-purpose rooms be named after Speaker Boothroyd; and agrees further that two of the remaining said rooms be named after Parliamentarians chosen by Labour Members, after two chosen by Conservative Members and after one chosen by Liberal Democrat Members.—(The Chairman.)
2. THREE YEAR PLAN OF WORKS 2001–02 TO 2003–04 (AW197)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the report by the Director of Parliamentary Works; but agrees that further consideration be given as to whether the works detailed were necessarily the most important and/or urgent; and agrees further that the Director of Parliamentary Works investigates the fabric of, and the facilities provided in, the Families' Room.—(Mr Syd Rapson.)
3. PARLIAMENT SQUARE
Resolved, That the Committee notes that the Serjeant at Arms is pursuing with the Royal Parks Police and with the Metropolitan Police that future demonstrations outside Parliament should last no longer than one sitting day, and should not continue overnight.—(The Chairman.)
4. WESTMINSTER HALL KIOSK
Resolved, That the Committee notes that, during the Summer Adjournment, the Kiosk will be moved from its present position at the North end of the Hall to a site adjacent to the entrance to the Cafeteria.—(The Chairman.)
[Adjourned till Wednesday 14 June at half-past Four o'clock.
WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE 2000
Members present:
Sir Sydney Chapman, in the Chair
Mr Keith Bradley
Sir Patrick Cormack
| Mr David Jamieson
Mr Syd Rapson |
The Committee deliberated.
1. FAMILIES ROOM
Resolved, That the Committee notes with approval the refurbishment planned for the Families' Room.—(Mr Syd Rapson.)
2. PORTCULLIS HOUSE (AW198, 199, 200 AND 203)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the project progress report for May (AW199).—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That, whilst noting the concerns raised by Sir Patrick Cormack, the Committee considers the better option proposed by the Project Director to overcome the possible disruption caused by roadworks outside the building to be the closure of Victoria Embankment and Bridge Street eastbound and to reduce the road into Parliamentary Square from three/two lanes to one/two lanes from 26 June with complete closure from 31 July and to work a five day week with completion by 1 October.—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the proposal by the Refreshment Department to site a coffee station in the northwest corner of the courtyard.—(The Chairman.)
Ordered, That, at the Committee's next meeting, the Project Director do present a design proposal and the Director of Catering Services a business case for the aforementioned coffee station.—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee agrees that members of the Parliamentary Press Lobby be invited to tour Portcullis House on 17 July, to be followed by a reception; that a reception be held on 25 July for contractors' staff involved in the project; and that those outside organisations that had expressed an interest in the building be invited to take part in a tour during August, and that such tours be organised through the Project Director.—(The Chairman.)
3. THREE YEAR PLAN OF WORKS 2001–02 TO 2003–04 (AW197)
Resolved, That the Committee notes and endorses the report by the Director of Parliamentary Works.—(The Chairman.)
4. ACCOMMODATION IN THE PALACE (AW201)
Resolved, That, whilst agreeing with the principle that Members
have priority in being allocated accommodation in the Palace, the Committee
recognises that certain staff are so essential to the immediate day-to-day
running of the House that to move them to an outbuilding would actually
cause inconvenience for Members; and agrees that the appropriate Departments
of the House be invited to identify the space they need within the Palace
and to indicate which staff could work as effectively outside of the
Palace.—(The Chairman.)
5. PROVISION OF A WRITING ROOM FOR MEMBERS OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
(AW202)
The Committee deliberated.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 12 July at half-past Four o'clock.
WEDNESDAY12 JULY 2000
Members present:
Sir Sydney Chapman, in the Chair
Sir Patrick Cormack
Sir Raymond Powell
| Mr Syd Rapson |
The Committee deliberated.
1. REFURBISHMENT OF ST STEPHEN'S TOWER
Resolved, That the Committee notes that the refurbishment of St Stephen's Tower to start in August 2001 is likely to take six months; notes further that Members with offices in the Tower and the staff of the Government Whip's office and of the PLP will be decanted; and agrees that the "usual channels" be alerted, in order for them to advise the staff concerned accordingly.—(The Chairman.)
2. PORTCULLIS HOUSE
Resolved, That the Committee expresses its displeasure with Westminster City Council in changing its plans for the roadworks outside Portcullis House which, it had assured the Project Director, had been definite; notes that the work will now begin on 22 July and are scheduled to finish by 23 October; and notes further that the new plans did mean that it would not now be necessary to close totally either Westminster Bridge or the Embankment.—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the project progress report for June (AW204).—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee notes and endorses the report by the Director of Catering Services concerning the provision of a coffee station in the courtyard.—(The Chairman.)
Ordered, That the Clerk of the House do write to the Secretary of the House of Commons Commission to seek the Commission's agreement to the expenditure needed to provide the aforementioned coffee station.—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee agrees that the Select Committee and multi-purpose rooms be named after Speaker Boothroyd, Clement Attlee, Jo Grimond, Harold Macmillan, Margaret Thatcher and Harold Wilson.—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee endorses the proposal by the Project Director that the larger multi-purpose room be named "The Attlee Suite"; agrees further that the other rooms be named "The Boothroyd (etc) Room"; and agrees that the allocation of the agreed names to specific rooms be at the discretion of the Project Director.—(Sir Patrick Cormack.)
3. ACCOMMODATION FOR THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR STANDARDS
Resolved, That the Committee notes the report by the Chairman;
and agrees that, as the matter is one of departmental accommodation
within the Speaker's Office, it be referred to Madam Speaker for her
consideration.—(Mr Syd Rapson.)
4. SUSAN HAMILTON SECRETARIAL AGENCY (AW205)
The Committee deliberated.
5. SUMMER WORKS PROGRAMME (AW206)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the report by the Director
of Parliamentary Works.—(Sir Raymond Powell.)
[Adjourned till Wednesday 25 October at half-past Four o'clock.
WEDNESDAY 25 OCTOBER 2000
Members present:
Sir Sydney Chapman, in the Chair
Mr Keith Bradley
Sir Patrick Cormack
Mr David Jamieson
| Ms Linda Perham
Sir Raymond Powell |
The Committee deliberated.
1. PORTCULLIS HOUSE
Resolved, That the Committee records its thanks to the Serjeant at Arms for his and his staffs' dedication and help in moving Members and their staff into the building; and notes the positive feedback received from Members on the moving in arrangements and on the facilities provided.—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the report by Sir Patrick Cormack concerning the tapestries approved by the Advisory Committee on Works of Art and to be hung in the Committee and conference rooms.—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee endorses the proposal by the Project Director that a high quality brochure be produced to commemorate the official opening of the building.—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee agrees that, following the opening of the Refreshment Department outlets, it would hold a "Committee dinner" in Portcullis House; and that, as on similar previous occasions, the said dinner would be at participants' own expense.—(The Chairman.)
Resolved, That the Committee congratulates the Project Director on Portcullis House opening ahead of time and within budget; and notes the project progress reports for July, August and September (AW208–210).—(The Chairman.)
2. SUMMER WORKS PROGRAMME (AW211)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the report by the Director of Parliamentary Works.—(The Chairman.)
3. REFURBISHMENT OF ST STEPHEN'S TOWER (AW212)
Resolved, That the Committee notes and endorses the report by the Director of Parliamentary Works.—(The Chairman.)
4. FIRE ESCAPE LIFTS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (AW213)
Resolved, That the Committee endorses the proposal to reverse the designation of a Members' lift (lift 77) and the adjacent lift (lift 15) to provide for the better evacuation of people with disabilities; and notes that, in the event of a Division in the House, both lifts would continue to be designated "Members Only".—(The Chairman.)
[Adjourned till Wednesday 15 November at half-past Four o'clock.
WEDNESDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2000
Members present:
Sir Sydney Chapman, in the Chair
Mr Keith Bradley
Mr David Jamieson | Mr Syd Rapson |
The Committee deliberated
1. PROGRAMME OF WORKS 2001-02 (AW215)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the report by the Director of Parliamentary Works and endorses the key projects and the order of priorities identified.—(The Chairman.)
2. ELECTRICITY FROM RENEWABLE SOURCES (AW216)
Resolved, That the Committee notes the report by the Director of Parliamentary Works; and endorses his proposal that he continue to monitor the situation concerning environmentally friendly sources of electricity.—(The Chairman.)
3. SUSAN HAMILTON SECRETARIAL AGENCY
Resolved, That the Committee notes that, due to decreased business from Members of both Houses, from the end of the year the Susan Hamilton Agency will be unable to maintain its workforce; notes further that, as the Agency no longer has premises in the Commons, that any decision on whether or not to retain a secretarial service for Members will be a matter for the Administration Committee.—(The Chairman.)
4. PORTCULLIS HOUSE
Resolved, That the Committee welcomes the Chairman's article in the House Magazine of 23 October and his reply of 31 October to Mr Anthony Steen's Written Parliamentary Question, both of which had corrected erroneous media stories concerning the building.—(Mr Syd Rapson.)
[Adjourned till Wednesday 13 December at half-past Four o'clock.
| 
