HC Deb 16 October 1912 vol 42 cc1212-4
35. Mr. KING

asked whether it is intended to reface the front of Buckingham Palace; and, if so, who will be the architect of the work, what will be the nature of the alteration, what is the estimated cost, and from what fund will the expenditure be defrayed?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN (Lord of the Treasury)

The First Commissioner has accepted on behalf of the Government the offer of the Queen Victoria Memorial Committee to reface the front of Buckingham Palace. The architect will be Sir Aston Webb, who was originally chosen from the architects invited to compete for the Memorial scheme. The plans, which I shall be happy to exhibit in the Tea Boom of the House, involve little more than the re-facing of the front of the Palace with Portland stone, and will cause no charge upon Parliamentary funds. The expense will be borne by the funds of the Queen Victoria Memorial Committee.

Mr. KING

May I ask whether, for the edification of hon. Members, the drawings of this change will be placed in the Tea Room?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN

Yes, Sir. The First Commissioner will be glad to place the drawings in the Tea Room.

Mr. DOUGLAS HALL

Is the front of Buckingham Palace stone or stucco?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN

The intention is that the alterations will be made in Portland stone.

Mr. DOUGLAS HALL

What is the original covering?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN

The front is stone covered with stucco.

Mr. PRETYMAN

Has it been considered whether it would be wise to use the same stone as in the other front of the Palace, perhaps the most durable in London, which has stood the test for many years?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN

I will convey the hon. Gentleman's suggestion to the Committee by whom the work is undertaken.

Lord BALCARRES

Will this be under the control and supervision of the public Department responsible for the maintenance of Buckingham Palace and other Royal Palaces now?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN

Yes. The control of the Office of Works will be unaffected by the source of the contribution.

Mr. A. C. MORTON

Whoever pays for this, is it not a fact that this House ought to be asked for its approval before any work is undertaken?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN

After the exhibition of the drawings in the Tea Room any opinions expressed will be brought to the notice of the architect and the Committee.

Mr. MORTON

I am asking to have them brought to the notice of this House.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of any further questions.