MPs unaware of plan to silence Big Ben

Wednesday 16th August 2017 08:45 EDT
 

British MPs revealed they were not told the Big Ben would be silenced for four years when they signed a £29 million renovation scheme for the Elizabeth Tower. Chairmen of two Commons' committees have complained that officials failed to disclose that the bell could not be rung to protect the hearing of builders on site.

Conservative MP Sir Paul Beresford, chairman of the administration committee that first approved the project in October 2015, said, “I don't remember them (officials) ever saying the bells will be switched off for four years.” Liberal Democrat Tom Brake, MPs' representative on the House of Commons Commission that then rubber-stamped the renovation, said, “It was never spelt out that Big Ben would be silenced for four years. I guess when the original plans were put forward it would not have been explained (to MPs) at that level of detail.”

The first Cabinet minister to engage in the row, David Davis said it was “mad” to silence the bongs for so long. “There's hardly a health and safety argument... They should get on with it,” he said. Gail Cartmail, Unite's assistant general secretary said, “The safety of the workers undertaking the work must be paramount. However when the workers are of site, Unite would welcome the bells ringing as normal provided this doesn't have additional implications for safety on the project.”

Keeper of the Clock, Steve Jaggs, responsible for its conservation, said it would be costly and complex to ensure Big Ben chimes when workers are off site. “We have to get value for money. It isn't cost effective. I have to think of the Government’s purse and the public purse and whether it is worth the extra cost. It would be expensive and complicated.”

Authorities from the House of Commons said, “It would not be practical or a good use of public money to start and stop the bells each day. In addition, as we cannot fully predict the times that staff will be working on this project, it would be impossible to reconnect the bells on a regular basis. Big Ben’s bongs are an integral part of parliamentary life and we will ensure that they can resume their role as the nation’s timekeeper as soon as possible.”


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