HC Deb 29 March 1889 vol 334 cc1151-2
MR. DE LISLE (Leicestershire, Mid)

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he can estimate the cost of removing the closed-up dormer windows, and replacing the appropriate beams in the east slope of the roof of Westminster Hall, in the same manner as has been recently done in the west slope of the said roof; the cost of filling the empty niches with statuary outside of the north and principal entrance of Westminster Hall in the same manner as has been recently done with the pinnacle at the south end of the said Hall at the back of the St. Stephen's entrance; the cost of filling the great north window of Westminster Hall with heraldic or pictured stained glass in the same manner as has been done with the great south window of the said Hall; the cost of filling the lateral windows of Westminster Hall with mixed coloured and white transparent glass in the same manner as the windows of the ancient cloisters adjoining the said Hall have been treated; the cost of painting and gilding the shields borne by the carved angels in the roof of Westminster Hall in the same manner as the shields in the House of Lords; and the cost of filling the three empty arched spaces of the Great Central Hall of the Palace of Westminster with mosaic pictures in the same style as the completed Mosaic of St. George, by Mr. Poynter, R.A., in the said Central Lobby?

*THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. PLUNKET,) University of Dublin

The cost of removing the dormer windows on the eastern side of the roof of the hall and effecting the necessary repair of the timbers would be about £750. The cost of filling the niches referred to at the north end of the Hall would be several thousand pounds, varying according to design and execution. The statues should not be provided until a decision is arrived at as to the suggested additions to the towers. The cost of filling the great north window of the Hall with stained glass would probably be about £,1500, and of filling the central windows with mixed coloured and transparent glass, about £750—together, £2,250. The cost of repainting and gilding the shields in the roof would be about £125. The cost of the mosaic now in the Central Hall was £665. The remaining three would consequently cost about £2,000.

MR. DE LISLE

Considering the enormous sum which has been spent upon these buildings, will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that some provision will be made in next year's Estimates for completing the work in Westminster Hall?

*MR. PLUNKET

No, Sir; I cannot, make a promise.