Lords resist plan for MPs to move in

A parliamentary clash is looming today over MPs moving into the Lords chamber while the Palace of Westminster is renovated.

Commons chiefs plan a £350million refurbishment including replacing 500 miles of water pipes, telephone and electricity cables, and dealing with asbestos.

MPs may have to vacate their quarters during the work and one option being floated is that the peers could make way for them.

Such a plan would almost certainly face fierce opposition. One senior House of Lords figure dismissed it as "whole unacceptable".

The House of Commons Commission yesterday started seeking bids for a £250,000 feasibility study on how to relocate key parts of Parliament.

MPs could be moved alternatively to the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre across Parliament Square, for two or three years.

The report on relocation is due to be drawn up by the middle of next year.