§ 14. Mr. KINGasked whether the criticisms of Mr. W. D. Caroe, architect to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, against the proposed treatment of Westminster Hall have been considered, especially in respect of the economies which would be made by Mr. Caroe's alternative proposals?
§ Mr. GULLANDThe scheme of repair of Westminster Hall roof is based on a most thorough and exhaustive survey. It has been examined by Sir Aston Webb and Mr. Reginald Blomfield, both past Presidents of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and representing the Royal Academy and the Royal Institute of British Architects on the Ancient Monuments Board for England. These gentlemen, in reply to Mr. Caroe's letter in the "Times," say that they consider the scheme adopted, namely of reinforcement by steel framing, is the most satisfactory solution of the question. By it the maximum amount of old timbers of the roof will be preserved. Mr. Caroe's statement is not supported by any detail, nor is it known how his estimate is arrived at; in any case it would practically amount to the substitution of a new timber roof for the old one, an entirely undesirable proceeding in the opinion of the First Commissioner. He sees no reason therefore to change the principle on which this most important work is now being conducted.