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838333
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2018-02-07more like thismore than 2018-02-07
answering body
The Senior Deputy Speaker more like this
answering dept id 204 more like this
answering dept short name
answering dept sort name Senior Deputy Speaker (HoL) more like this
hansard heading Palace of Westminster: Repairs and Maintenance more like this
house id 2 remove filter
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker, in the light of the resolutions on Restoration and Renewal passed by both Houses, what are the likely next steps; and what will be the mechanism for Peers to submit suggestions and ideas. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Blencathra remove filter
uin HL5466 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2018-02-21more like thismore than 2018-02-21
answer text <p>Both Houses have decided that the next steps of the Restoration &amp; Renewal Programme should be overseen by a Sponsor Board and Delivery Authority. It is expected that the Commission of each House will therefore immediately focus on establishing those bodies in shadow form. Until the shadow Sponsor Board has been appointed, the Programme will continue to be delivered under the governance of the bicameral Programme Board, which consists of officials from both Houses plus two external members, and acts with authority delegated from the Board and Accounting Officer of each House. Establishing both bodies in substantive form will require primary legislation.</p><p>The Programme Team, supported by its client advisory services consultants, CH2M and BDP, will continue work in the following areas:</p><ul><li>further investigation and documentation of the current physical condition of the Palace of Westminster and its building services;</li><li>further studies on the feasibility of the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre as temporary accommodation for the House of Lords;</li><li>design of Richmond House as temporary accommodation for the House of Commons, which is being taken forward as part of the Commons’ Northern Estate Programme;</li><li>development of a client brief for the design of the works to the Palace of Westminster;</li><li>the development of the required Outline Business Cases (OBCs), compliant with HM Treasury’s <em>Green Book</em>; and</li><li>a further round of medium-term mechanical and electrical, public health and conservation work to mitigate the operational risks to Parliament presented by the condition of the building between now and the commencement of the construction phase of the R&amp;R Programme.</li></ul><p>The design phase will require extensive consultation with Members of both Houses, as well as a wide range of other stakeholders including staff, third-party occupants of the Parliamentary Estate, visitors and other members of society throughout the United Kingdom. It is anticipated that this engagement work will be developed and taken forward by the shadow Sponsor Board once it is established later this year.</p><p>In the meantime, members of the Programme Team would be happy to receive suggestions and ideas from Members of both Houses. They can be contacted via <a href="mailto:restorationandrenewal@parliament.uk" target="_blank">restorationandrenewal@parliament.uk</a>.</p><p> </p>
answering member printed Lord McFall of Alcluith more like this
question first answered
less than 2018-02-21T16:07:39.427Zmore like thismore than 2018-02-21T16:07:39.427Z
answering member
4148
label Biography information for Lord McFall of Alcluith more like this
tabling member
497
label Biography information for Lord Blencathra more like this
1366281
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2021-11-04more like thismore than 2021-11-04
answering body
The Senior Deputy Speaker more like this
answering dept id 204 more like this
answering dept short name
answering dept sort name Senior Deputy Speaker (HoL) more like this
hansard heading House of Lords Chamber more like this
house id 2 remove filter
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker, further to the Written Answers by Lord Gardiner of Kimble on 2 November (HL3271, HL3268, HL3269), what consultation about the wearing of wigs took place with the clerks who (1) sit, or (2) may sit, at the Table; and what was the division of opinion amongst them. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Blencathra remove filter
uin HL3720 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2021-11-16more like thismore than 2021-11-16
answer text <p>In the summer the clerks at the Table were consulted about the wearing of uniform. A range of views were expressed and discussed with the Clerk of the Parliaments and Clerk Assistant. Future Table clerks were not consulted as they are not a clearly defined group.</p> more like this
answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
question first answered
less than 2021-11-16T17:34:56.29Zmore like thismore than 2021-11-16T17:34:56.29Z
answering member
4161
label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
tabling member
497
label Biography information for Lord Blencathra more like this
1366280
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2021-11-04more like thismore than 2021-11-04
answering body
The Senior Deputy Speaker more like this
answering dept id 204 more like this
answering dept short name
answering dept sort name Senior Deputy Speaker (HoL) more like this
hansard heading House of Lords Chamber more like this
house id 2 remove filter
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker, further to the Written Answers by Lord Gardiner of Kimble on 2 November (HL3271, HL3268, HL3269), how many clerks that undertake duties at the Table of the House are in possession of wigs; and how many new wigs would be required so that all clerks who sit at the Table have one; and what assessment he has made of how many additional clerks may begin duties at the Table in the next 12 months. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Blencathra remove filter
uin HL3719 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2021-11-16more like thismore than 2021-11-16
answer text <p>The number of clerks actively on the Table duty rota each parliamentary term varies due to a number of factors and it is important to have some flexibility as required to meet the needs of the House. This term there are 12 clerks undertaking duties at the Table. Of these 9 have wigs and 3 do not. It is not possible to predict how many additional clerks may begin or resume duties in the next 12 months but one new Table clerk will join the team in January and they have no wig. Four other Table clerks are not currently active on the rota but may resume duties next year, one of those colleagues has a wig and three do not.</p> more like this
answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
question first answered
less than 2021-11-16T17:34:22.817Zmore like thismore than 2021-11-16T17:34:22.817Z
answering member
4161
label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
tabling member
497
label Biography information for Lord Blencathra more like this
1361536
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2021-10-19more like thismore than 2021-10-19
answering body
The Senior Deputy Speaker more like this
answering dept id 204 more like this
answering dept short name
answering dept sort name Senior Deputy Speaker (HoL) more like this
hansard heading House of Lords Chamber more like this
house id 2 remove filter
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker, further to the Written Answer by the Senior Deputy Speaker on 14 October (HL2826), what is the justification for retaining the requirement for Table Clerks to wear robes, given that the requirement to wear horsehair wigs has been abandoned. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Blencathra remove filter
uin HL3194 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2021-11-02more like thismore than 2021-11-02
answer text <p>The Clerk of the Parliaments is by law the employer of the staff of the House and responsible for all terms and conditions of employment. During the pandemic, the then Clerk of the Parliaments decided that Clerks at the Table during regular business of the House should wear a gown over business attire, and that this would be worn by all the Clerks at the Table. The then Lord Speaker was consulted and acknowledged the change to Table Clerk attire, on a temporary basis, though he expressed a preference for the wearing of traditional table dress and gown, but without wigs.</p><p>Having some element of uniform allowed the Clerk in the Chamber to be identified by Members in the House wishing to seek advice. The decision was taken for a number of reasons, including cost grounds, the potentially temporary duration of the new Table Clerks’ appointments, and the impracticality of acquiring new uniforms during the pandemic. Throughout the ongoing pandemic, the full uniform previously worn has continued to be worn in full at high ceremonial occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament, and in modified form on other ceremonial occasions including Prorogation; for the Introduction Ceremonies of new Lords Spiritual and Temporal (when ceremonial dress is worn by others) and for Tributes in the Chamber.</p><p>The Clerk of the Parliaments is considering the position now that the House is no longer operating under the hybrid House guidance. The Clerk of the Parliaments has received representations on this matter from a number of Members of the House and would be very willing to hear the views of others. In deciding what the position will be in future, the Clerk of the Parliaments will need to reflect upon a number of factors including cost, efficiency, the views expressed by Members, and the public perception of the House. The Clerk of the Parliaments will also consider the need to ensure both that all Clerks at the Table are identifiable and all similarly attired; as well as the appropriate uniform given the range of other duties performed by Clerks during the working day.</p>
answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
grouped question UIN
HL3268 more like this
HL3269 more like this
HL3271 more like this
question first answered
less than 2021-11-02T17:50:25.517Zmore like thismore than 2021-11-02T17:50:25.517Z
answering member
4161
label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
tabling member
497
label Biography information for Lord Blencathra more like this
1358381
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2021-10-04more like thismore than 2021-10-04
answering body
The Senior Deputy Speaker more like this
answering dept id 204 more like this
answering dept short name
answering dept sort name Senior Deputy Speaker (HoL) more like this
hansard heading House of Lords Chamber more like this
house id 2 remove filter
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker, further to the Written Answer by Lord Gardiner of Kimble on 16 September (HL2734), whether the House has agreed that decisions on Table Clerks' uniform should be made by House staff rather than Members. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Blencathra remove filter
uin HL2826 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2021-10-14more like thismore than 2021-10-14
answer text <p>The uniform for Table Clerks is not a matter covered by the Standing Orders agreed by the House, or the Companion to the Standing Orders, which the Procedure and Privileges Committee oversees on behalf of the House.</p><p>Having reviewed Procedure and Privileges Committee papers dating back to the 1970s, there is no record of decisions about uniform for Table Clerks being taken by that Committee.</p><p>The Clerk of the Parliaments, as the statutory employer, is responsible for these decisions, though the Clerk of the Parliaments is of course aware that these matters are of wider concern to members of the House and has emphasised this in recent discussions we have had on this matter. The Clerk of the Parliaments is of course open to conversation with any member about any of his responsibilities.</p> more like this
answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
question first answered
less than 2021-10-14T15:32:45.247Zmore like thismore than 2021-10-14T15:32:45.247Z
answering member
4161
label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
tabling member
497
label Biography information for Lord Blencathra more like this
1358380
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2021-10-04more like thismore than 2021-10-04
answering body
The Senior Deputy Speaker more like this
answering dept id 204 more like this
answering dept short name
answering dept sort name Senior Deputy Speaker (HoL) more like this
hansard heading House of Lords Chamber more like this
house id 2 remove filter
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker, further to the Written Answer by Lord Gardiner of Kimble on 16 September (HL2734), what is the cost of (1) six formal uniforms for the additional Table Clerks, (2) the full uniforms that have already been provided to Table Clerks, (3) creating the PeerHub remote voting system, and (4) converting Committee Rooms 2A and 3A to enable hybrid meetings of Grand Committee. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Blencathra remove filter
uin HL2825 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2021-10-14more like thismore than 2021-10-14
answer text <p>In 2020 six gowns were purchased for new Table Clerks joining the rota. The total cost of these six gowns was £1,213.99, but due to an outstanding credit with the supplier the House actually paid £536 in total for the six gowns.</p><p>Table Clerks who joined the rota before 2020 were provided with a fuller uniform. There is no standard cost for this as it depends on a number of variables, including the supplier used and the items required. Purchases of full new uniforms for Table Clerks in recent years were however in the range of approximately £4,700 - £5,700 per person. Incidental repairs and additional items may also be required over the years as uniforms are worn.</p><p>The cost to the Parliamentary Digital Service of producing the PeerHub remote voting system as set out in the approved business case was £78,683. This was primarily resource cost.</p><p>The capital cost of converting Committee Rooms 2A and 3A for Hybrid Grand Committee as set out in the approved business case for the project was £150,000, including VAT.</p>
answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
question first answered
less than 2021-10-14T15:13:22.677Zmore like thismore than 2021-10-14T15:13:22.677Z
answering member
4161
label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
tabling member
497
label Biography information for Lord Blencathra more like this
1439937
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2022-03-10more like thismore than 2022-03-10
answering body
The Senior Deputy Speaker more like this
answering dept id 204 more like this
answering dept short name
answering dept sort name Senior Deputy Speaker (HoL) more like this
hansard heading House of Lords: Virtual Contributions more like this
house id 2 remove filter
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker, further to (1) the end of social distancing restrictions in the House of Lords, and (2) the increased physical participation of disabled Members, why the arrangements providing for remote participation in Standing Order 24A are still in operation. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Blencathra remove filter
uin HL6843 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2022-03-15more like thismore than 2022-03-15
answer text <p>On 15 June 2021 the House of Lords Commission, as part of its consideration of the post-hybrid operating arrangements for the Chamber and Grand Committee, agreed that a model should be developed to allow a small number of members with long-term disabilities to continue to participate virtually. The Procedure and Privileges Committee subsequently affirmed, in its First Report of the current session (HL Paper 41), “The contribution disabled members make to the House’s debates and decisions is integral to the work of the House.” Standing Order 24A was agreed by the House on 13 July 2021 to enable those who may be unable physically to access the Chamber on grounds of long-term disability to participate virtually. The Standing Order, which was drawn up following consultation with disabled members, is not time limited.</p> more like this
answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
question first answered
less than 2022-03-15T17:10:06.55Zmore like thismore than 2022-03-15T17:10:06.55Z
answering member
4161
label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
tabling member
497
label Biography information for Lord Blencathra more like this
1362436
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2021-10-21more like thismore than 2021-10-21
answering body
The Senior Deputy Speaker more like this
answering dept id 204 more like this
answering dept short name
answering dept sort name Senior Deputy Speaker (HoL) more like this
hansard heading House of Lords Chamber more like this
house id 2 remove filter
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker who was consulted before the decision was made that Table Clerks would not wear wigs (1) while the House was sitting under the hybrid House guidance, and (2) after the House had ceased operate under that guidance. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Blencathra remove filter
uin HL3271 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2021-11-02more like thismore than 2021-11-02
answer text <p>The Clerk of the Parliaments is by law the employer of the staff of the House and responsible for all terms and conditions of employment. During the pandemic, the then Clerk of the Parliaments decided that Clerks at the Table during regular business of the House should wear a gown over business attire, and that this would be worn by all the Clerks at the Table. The then Lord Speaker was consulted and acknowledged the change to Table Clerk attire, on a temporary basis, though he expressed a preference for the wearing of traditional table dress and gown, but without wigs.</p><p>Having some element of uniform allowed the Clerk in the Chamber to be identified by Members in the House wishing to seek advice. The decision was taken for a number of reasons, including cost grounds, the potentially temporary duration of the new Table Clerks’ appointments, and the impracticality of acquiring new uniforms during the pandemic. Throughout the ongoing pandemic, the full uniform previously worn has continued to be worn in full at high ceremonial occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament, and in modified form on other ceremonial occasions including Prorogation; for the Introduction Ceremonies of new Lords Spiritual and Temporal (when ceremonial dress is worn by others) and for Tributes in the Chamber.</p><p>The Clerk of the Parliaments is considering the position now that the House is no longer operating under the hybrid House guidance. The Clerk of the Parliaments has received representations on this matter from a number of Members of the House and would be very willing to hear the views of others. In deciding what the position will be in future, the Clerk of the Parliaments will need to reflect upon a number of factors including cost, efficiency, the views expressed by Members, and the public perception of the House. The Clerk of the Parliaments will also consider the need to ensure both that all Clerks at the Table are identifiable and all similarly attired; as well as the appropriate uniform given the range of other duties performed by Clerks during the working day.</p>
answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
grouped question UIN
HL3194 more like this
HL3268 more like this
HL3269 more like this
question first answered
less than 2021-11-02T17:50:25.673Zmore like thismore than 2021-11-02T17:50:25.673Z
answering member
4161
label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
tabling member
497
label Biography information for Lord Blencathra more like this
1362433
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2021-10-21more like thismore than 2021-10-21
answering body
The Senior Deputy Speaker more like this
answering dept id 204 more like this
answering dept short name
answering dept sort name Senior Deputy Speaker (HoL) more like this
hansard heading House of Lords Chamber more like this
house id 2 remove filter
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker whether the reason for not providing wigs for the temporary Table Clerks while the House was sitting under the hybrid House guidance was on the grounds of cost; and if so, why the Table Clerks in possession of wigs are not wearing them now that the House is no longer operating under that guidance. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Blencathra remove filter
uin HL3268 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2021-11-02more like thismore than 2021-11-02
answer text <p>The Clerk of the Parliaments is by law the employer of the staff of the House and responsible for all terms and conditions of employment. During the pandemic, the then Clerk of the Parliaments decided that Clerks at the Table during regular business of the House should wear a gown over business attire, and that this would be worn by all the Clerks at the Table. The then Lord Speaker was consulted and acknowledged the change to Table Clerk attire, on a temporary basis, though he expressed a preference for the wearing of traditional table dress and gown, but without wigs.</p><p>Having some element of uniform allowed the Clerk in the Chamber to be identified by Members in the House wishing to seek advice. The decision was taken for a number of reasons, including cost grounds, the potentially temporary duration of the new Table Clerks’ appointments, and the impracticality of acquiring new uniforms during the pandemic. Throughout the ongoing pandemic, the full uniform previously worn has continued to be worn in full at high ceremonial occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament, and in modified form on other ceremonial occasions including Prorogation; for the Introduction Ceremonies of new Lords Spiritual and Temporal (when ceremonial dress is worn by others) and for Tributes in the Chamber.</p><p>The Clerk of the Parliaments is considering the position now that the House is no longer operating under the hybrid House guidance. The Clerk of the Parliaments has received representations on this matter from a number of Members of the House and would be very willing to hear the views of others. In deciding what the position will be in future, the Clerk of the Parliaments will need to reflect upon a number of factors including cost, efficiency, the views expressed by Members, and the public perception of the House. The Clerk of the Parliaments will also consider the need to ensure both that all Clerks at the Table are identifiable and all similarly attired; as well as the appropriate uniform given the range of other duties performed by Clerks during the working day.</p>
answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
grouped question UIN
HL3194 more like this
HL3269 more like this
HL3271 more like this
question first answered
less than 2021-11-02T17:50:25.57Zmore like thismore than 2021-11-02T17:50:25.57Z
answering member
4161
label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
tabling member
497
label Biography information for Lord Blencathra more like this
1362434
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2021-10-21more like thismore than 2021-10-21
answering body
The Senior Deputy Speaker more like this
answering dept id 204 more like this
answering dept short name
answering dept sort name Senior Deputy Speaker (HoL) more like this
hansard heading House of Lords Chamber more like this
house id 2 remove filter
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker whether the former Lord Speaker was consulted on the decision that Table Clerks would no longer wear wigs; and if so, whether he gave his consent to that decision. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Blencathra remove filter
uin HL3269 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2021-11-02more like thismore than 2021-11-02
answer text <p>The Clerk of the Parliaments is by law the employer of the staff of the House and responsible for all terms and conditions of employment. During the pandemic, the then Clerk of the Parliaments decided that Clerks at the Table during regular business of the House should wear a gown over business attire, and that this would be worn by all the Clerks at the Table. The then Lord Speaker was consulted and acknowledged the change to Table Clerk attire, on a temporary basis, though he expressed a preference for the wearing of traditional table dress and gown, but without wigs.</p><p>Having some element of uniform allowed the Clerk in the Chamber to be identified by Members in the House wishing to seek advice. The decision was taken for a number of reasons, including cost grounds, the potentially temporary duration of the new Table Clerks’ appointments, and the impracticality of acquiring new uniforms during the pandemic. Throughout the ongoing pandemic, the full uniform previously worn has continued to be worn in full at high ceremonial occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament, and in modified form on other ceremonial occasions including Prorogation; for the Introduction Ceremonies of new Lords Spiritual and Temporal (when ceremonial dress is worn by others) and for Tributes in the Chamber.</p><p>The Clerk of the Parliaments is considering the position now that the House is no longer operating under the hybrid House guidance. The Clerk of the Parliaments has received representations on this matter from a number of Members of the House and would be very willing to hear the views of others. In deciding what the position will be in future, the Clerk of the Parliaments will need to reflect upon a number of factors including cost, efficiency, the views expressed by Members, and the public perception of the House. The Clerk of the Parliaments will also consider the need to ensure both that all Clerks at the Table are identifiable and all similarly attired; as well as the appropriate uniform given the range of other duties performed by Clerks during the working day.</p>
answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
grouped question UIN
HL3194 more like this
HL3268 more like this
HL3271 more like this
question first answered
less than 2021-11-02T17:50:25.627Zmore like thismore than 2021-11-02T17:50:25.627Z
answering member
4161
label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
tabling member
497
label Biography information for Lord Blencathra more like this