MPs were not told Big Ben would be silenced for four years when they approved a £29 million renovation scheme, The Telegraph can disclose.

The 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.

Parliamentary authorities have announced that Big Ben will chime for the last time at noon on Monday until the completion of the work on Elizabeth Tower in 2021.

The decision has led to demands for the bell to ring when builders are off site - such as in the evenings, early mornings and at weekends.