§ SIR J. STIRLING-MAXWELL (Glasgow College)May I ask the hon. Member for the Ramsey Division if he can make any statement with regard to the drainage of Holyrood Palace?
§ MR. AILWYN FELLOWES (Huntingdonshire, Ramsey)Yes; the position with regard to the drainage of Holyrood Palace is as follows: Last autumn certain defects in the drainage were observed, and a thorough inquiry was made. From the report it appeared that the sanitary condition of the Palace, although satisfactory 114 at most points, was not such as to make it a desirable residence for a large number of persons until certain sanitary defects had been remedied. The Office of Works submitted the report to their sanitary advisers, who advised that it was not desirable in these circumstances that their Majesties should reside at the Palace, although there was no objection to the use of the buildings for levées and receptions by day. The Earl of Leven and Melville felt equally that he would not be justified in occupying the Palace with a large suite. Unfortunately, the new works demanded a great deal of excavation, and it was only possible to carry them out in open weather. The work has consequently been postponed until after the visit of their Majesties, as, had it been begun in the winter, there would have been serious risk of its remaining uncompleted before the Royal visit.