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Lord West’s tongue-in-cheek suggestion came in the midst of a debate in the House of Lords to consider options for the refit, which estimates suggest could cost as much as £4billion. The crumbling state of many of the buildings which form the estate means remedial work is essential – but details as to how best to do this, not least where MPs and Lords would sit in the meantime, remain unclear.

Speaking via video link during a debate in the Lords, Labour peer Lord West tackled The Lord True CBE, who currently holds the Government post of Minister of State (Cabinet Office), on the matter.

He said: “I think it is now very confusing in terms of accountability.

“Options seem to come out from Number 10 a bit like chaff from an aircraft under missile attack.

“But as we seem to be in a season for crackpot ideas, may I first ask the noble Lord, the minister, bearing in mind the furthest point from the sea in our great maritime nation, in Derbyshire, is 45 miles, and there are large numbers of cruise ships lying idle that may be available at very cheap rates, could not both houses embark on a ship and operate from there?

“I raised this before on the floor of the house and the Government minister in reply to me said it would be looked at. Has it?”

Lord True replied: “I will have to take advice on that matter and I will respond to the noble and gallant Lord.

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“Options like chaff have varying effects as the noble Lord will know.

“This is a matter for exclusive cognisance of your lordship’s house and the other place in the last resort.”

The restoration project is being overseen by David Goldstone and Sarah Johnson.

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Parliament’s dedicated website for the issue, restorationandrenewal.uk, states: “The Palace of Westminster is an icon of our nation’s past, present and future.

“It is the home of our democracy and a workplace for thousands of people.

“The building has played a unique role in our political history for 900 years.

“The restoration and renewal of the Palace is the biggest and most complex renovation of a heritage building ever undertaken in the UK.

“It is a huge challenge, but we will strive for value for money at every stage.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has suggested York as a possible temporary seat, stressing since the Government was considering establishing a hub in the northern city, “it would therefore make sense to consider this as a potential location”.

In his letter, seen by the BBC, he added: “We all have a responsibility to protect the Palace of Westminster as a functioning building and as the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site that is the home and symbol of our democracy.

“The current situation is unsustainable given the serious risk of a major fire and the need to upgrade the services throughout the building.”

Other possible bases in London include Richmond House, Queen Elizabeth II Centre, and City Hall.

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