MR. DELISLE (Leicestershire, Loughborough)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether he will engage to have the new additions to Westminster Hall completed, both within and without, before the next Session of Parliament; and whether he proposes to continue the parapet, wrought iron railings, and gas-lamps as far as the St. Stephen's entrance, after the pattern of the existing parapet, railings, and gas-lamps from the Clock Tower to the corner of the new addition to Westminster Hall; and, if so, whether he will engage to have the works completed and the rubbish cleared away as soon as possible?
§ MR. ROE (Derby)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works how soon the present hoarding on the west side of Westminster Hall will be removed and replaced with a suitable iron railing; and if he can inform the House when the scaffolding, workshops, and stone-cutting machinery, which have so long disfigured Westminster Abbey, will be taken away?
§ SIR H. MAXWELLThe plans for laying out the grounds adjoining the new addition to Westminster Hall, and for the construction of the necessary boundary fence are still under consideration, and until they have been approved it is not possible to begin the works. The cost will be very considerable, and it will be necessary to submit to Parliament an Estimate for provision of funds. It may, therefore, not be 898 possible to complete the works before next Session. The Office of Works has no responsibility in connection with Westminster Abbey, but I have communicated with the rev. Canon in residence, and he assures me that the architect is using all possible despatch in the completion of the work.