HL Deb 11 March 1844 vol 73 cc797-8

In answer to Lord Brougham,

Lord Wharncliffe

stated, that the walls of the new House of Lords had been raised twenty-five feet, and the House would be covered in in the course of two months. The House of Commons had been raised only nine feet. The architect would undertake to say that their Lordships' House might be ready for them next Session, if they would be contented with temporary fittings.

Lord Brougham

thought that very little outlay would be needed, and he was sure the House of Commons would give the money.

Lord Sudeley

was quite satisfied if the architect had really felt an inclination to meet the wishes of their Lordships, they might have been in their new House, perfectly and permanently fitted-up by the next Session, and before the next Session. As it was, the temporary fittings could not be supplied without very considerable expense. He thought it highly desirable that all their Lordships' House should have a full opportunity of seeing, not only what the architect's general arrangements as to the interior were, but what the details were, and what the materials, while it was yet time to suggest alterations. He had himself seen the model, and understood, he believed, pretty accurately what the arrangement was, and what the principal details were; nothing could be more simple, and he saw no reason why the building should not be rapidly completed, at all events for all practical purposes. He conceived it would be a good plan to revive the Committee on the subject, to whom the architect might explain what his final plans were.

The Marquess of Clanricarde

moved the re-appointment of the Committee, with the addition to its Members of Lord Campbell.

Re-appointment of the Committee agreed to.