10 Downing Street: Repairs and Maintenance
Cabinet Office
Francis Maude (Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office (Also Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster), Cabinet Office; Horsham, Conservative)
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer of 3 February 2010, Official Report, column 401W, on 10 Downing Street: repairs and maintenance, what the nature is of the works that have been undertaken as part of Project George to date.
Angela Smith (Minister of State (Third Sector), Cabinet Office; Basildon, Labour)
The Government are legally required to maintain the Downing Street complex to standards appropriate to its Grade I and II listed status in consultation with English Heritage. In addition to providing office accommodation the building also fulfils an important representational role. The last significant refurbishment works at the Downing street complex were undertaken between 1960 and 1963. As a result much of the infrastructure required renewal or upgrading. Essential improvements are being undertaken through ongoing annual maintenance works.