§ LORD BALCARRESI beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether he can say what special steps he has taken to preserve the fabrics of Westminister Abbey from damage likely to be caused by the erection of scaffolding for the Coronation Ceremony.
§ MR. AKERS DOUGLASWestminister Abbey will, I presume, be handed over to my Department according to precedent, with a view to preparing the edifice for the Coronation. Every care will be taken by the officers of my Department to preserve the fabrics from injury; and my officers have had recently, and I have every reason to hope, will retain, the friendly co-operation and assistance of the authorities of the Abbey in this connection. I can assure my noble friend I have every desire to avail myself to the fullest extent of their experience.