PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
Restoration and Renewal - 22 July 2021 (Commons/Commons Chamber)
Debate Detail
Contributions from David Simmonds, are highlighted with a yellow border.
David Simmonds
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
East Hampshire
Damian Hinds
The Sponsor Body, supported by the Delivery Authority, is currently developing the detailed plan that will for the first time give an accurate sense of the costs and timescales and the full detail of the work needed for restoration and renewal. It will be put before both Houses for a decision before works commence. Securing best value for money is fundamental.
David Simmonds [V]
Given that the House has debated the subject numerous times, supported the Joint Committee’s 2016 proposal and passed the Parliamentary Buildings (Restoration and Renewal) Act 2019, does my right hon. Friend agree that continually re-examining the scope and cost of the project increases the risk that we are not making our national Parliament fit for purpose and runs the risk of us having our own Notre-Dame moment with our beautiful and historic building?
Damian Hinds
My hon. Friend is right to mention the terrible fire at Notre-Dame, which serves as a reminder to us all of the risk to our great heritage assets. He is also right that putting off works tends to increase costs eventually, so I agree entirely about the time-sensitivity of action and thank him for his timely reminder.
Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.