HC Deb 30 May 1907 vol 175 cc87-8
MR. MYER

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been drawn to the damage which has been done to the old oak panelling and decorations in one of the dining-rooms in the process of restoration; and if, in any further work to be executed, he will take precautions to preserve the natural richness of the oak acquired by age, and also maintain the general decorative character of the original design of the interior of the House.

*The FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. Harcourt, Lancashire, Rossendale)

No damage or restoration has been done to the oak panelling of the dining-room. The oak has never acquired any natural richness by age. It was originally stained and then varnished. The varnish has been removed in order to allow the oak to acquire the fine tone which arises from age and waxing. There has been no interference with the decorative character of the original design of the interior of the House. Some old and dirty flock papers have been removed or replaced with the general approval of those best qualified to judge of such matters.

MR. MYER

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to scrape the oak work of this Chamber and whitewash the ceiling, or does he regard the House as national property?

*MR. HARCOURT

I regard the House as national property, and I have not in the past, and I do not intend in the future, to scrape any of the oak.