§ MR. LABOUCHEREI beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether it has been brought to his notice that, last Monday night, a heavy piece of a stone heraldic animal suddenly fell from the exterior of this building close to the entrance to Westminster Hall, in Old Palace Yard; that, not many days ago, a portion of the ornamental stonework fell close to the Members' Entrance; and that another portion of the stonework was detached in New Palace Yard; and whether, in view of the danger to the lives and limbs of Members and others from such accidents, he will cause an 1578 investigation to be made into the condition of the exterior ornamental stonework?
MR, PLUNKETIt is true that a piece of stone which formed the shoulder of the Unicorn at St. Stephen's Entrance fell on Monday night last. An examination shows that there had been a, defect (technically called a "vent") in the stone which would not be easily seen when in position. This portion of the building was examined and repaired from top to bottom in 1878, and is in good condition with the exception of the two heraldic figures, which have a weather-worn appearance and have evidently been carved out of soft stone. These figures will be renewed within the present year. It is also the fact that a piece of the ornamental stonework at the entrance of the Star Chamber Court fell a few days since. Steps have already been taken for an examination and repair of these portions of the building during the Whitsuntide Recess. A complete examination and repair of the whole of the stone work of the Palace is in progress, and upwards of three-fourths-of it has been finished, the workmen being at present engaged on the Victoria Tower. I may, however, observe that in a highly ornamental structure, such as the Houses of Parliament, it is impossible to discover every defect that may exist in the carved stonework, however carefully the examination may be made.
§ DR. TANNERWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the architect of this extremely ugly new building has been retained for the science and art building in Dublin?
§ [No reply was given.]