article_snippet: Speaker John Bercow said a 'not inconsequential sum of public money' was needed to keep the Palace of Westminster 'fit for purpose'.
article_snippet: Speaker John Bercow said it would be a 'huge pity' to have to leave the Commons and Lords, but experts have warned up to £3billion of repairs to the building are needed.
article_snippet: Speaker John Bercow said a 'not inconsequential sum of public money' was needed to keep the Palace of Westminster 'Westminster 'fit for purpose' Among the problems are leaking roofs and pipes, ancient electrics and plumbing, asbestos, subsidence, badly-damaged stonework and fire risks.
article_snippet: Speaking in Speaker John Bercow said: 'This is a fabulous institution located in awesome surroundings.
article_snippet: Referring to the blaze that burned down the old palace of Westminster ' in 1834, Speaker John Bercow said: 'It would be a huge pity if we decided that by the time we had reached the 200th anniversary of the vast fire which consumed the old parliament and brought this one in to being, we had to abandon this site and look elsewhere in order to serve the public interest properly.'
article_snippet: Speaker John Bercow added: 'Yet I will tell you in all candour that unless management of the very highest quality and a not inconsequential sum of public money are deployed on this estate over the next 10 years, that will be the outcome.'
article_snippet: Mr Bercow led an appointment panel in an external search to replace Sir Robert Rogers, who retired early as clerk last summer after a 40-year Commons career.
article_snippet: The proposed appointment of Australian official Carol Mills was abandoned by Mr Bercow after protests from MPs that Mr Bercow was not able to do the job because Mr Bercow had no knowledge of Commons procedure.
article_snippet: Mr Bercow said Mr Bercow was 'intrigued' by the recommendation of the Digital Democracy Commission for online public 'e-discussions' before debates in Westminster Hall, the Commons second chamber.
highlights_snippet: Speaker John Bercow warns of major bill needed to renovate Parliament .
  
highlights_snippet: Speaker John Bercow said it would be a 'huge pity' to have to leave the Commons and Lords .
  