§ 30,000l. was next asked for the new Houses of Parliament for the year ending the 31st March, 1841, beyond what had been already provided by the votes of Parliament for the continuation of the river front, north and south flanks, and additional foundations.
§ Mr. Ewarthoped that the two millions which was the calculated sum total expense of the new Parliament Houses, would not be expended upon the exterior architecture only, but would be partially expended in works of sculpture and painting for the interior of the building also.
§ Mr. Humereminded the House of the remarks made by him three years ago. Against the present site he protested as being dark and dismal, and he would recommend as more economical and convenient that the 150,000l. already expended should be entirely abandoned, and that a new site in St. James's or in the Green-park should be chosen for the new Houses. One of the commissioners, Sir E. Cust, had given his opinion that a structure less expensive than that projected would be sufficient for a House of Commons. Mr. Barry's plan was found to be very expensive.
§ Mr. Briscoehoped that some of her Majesty's Ministers would remove the impression conveyed to the House by the hon. Member for Wigan, that two millions were the estimated cost of the new Houses of Parliament.
§ Mr. Bernalsaid, that the estimates had been carefully examined by the Commissioners of Woods and Forests, and he did not anticipate any excess beyond the estimates for the superstructure. The cost of the foundation and the embankment was likely to exceed the estimated sum, but there was not such likelihood as to the upper part of the structure.
§ Vote agreed to.