§ LORD TREFGARNEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made with the treatment of the roof timbers in Westminster Hall; when they expect the work to be completed, and what degree of protection they expect the treatment will offer.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF PUBLIC BUILDING AND WORKS (LORD WINTERBOTTOM)My Lords, about half the work has been completed and we plan to finish the rest by the middle of 1970. We hope that the treatment will afford permanent protection against the ravages of the death watch beetle, but we shall have to wait five years before 3 we can determine how far it has been successful.
§ LORD TREFGARNEMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord for that informative reply.