HC Deb 16 April 1885 vol 296 cc1844-5
GENERAL SIR GEORGE BALFOUR

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, To lay upon the Table of the House such an explanatory Memorandum as will show the variations between the estimated and actual cost of various public buildings, such as the India, Foreign, Home, and Colonial Offices, Natural History Museum, and Law Courts; the amount expended in alterations, additions, improvements, and to remedy defects in original cost, to be stated?

MR. HIBBERT

My hon. and gallant Friend will find the actual and estimated cost of the Natural History Museum stated at page 55 of the Appropriation Accounts for 1883–4; and that of the Royal Courts of Justice at page 44 of the same volume. I can, if it be thought necessary, ascertain and communicate to the House the actual and estimated cost of the Foreign Office and of the Home Office block; and I can ask the Secretary of State for India whether he can supply similar figures for the India Office. I am afraid it would, for many reasons, be impossible to give the further details which the Question seems to suggest.