§ 23. Viscount SANDONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, when an Estimate is going to be laid for the repair of the fabric of the Houses of Parliament; how much it will be for and spread 13 over how long a period; whether delay increases the ultimate cost and causes risk of danger; and whether the work and ornamentation will be put in hand at the earliest possible moment, with due regard to the preservation of the dignity and artistic importance of the structure?
§ Major Sir HARRY BARNSTON (Comptroller of the Household)My right hon. Friend is now considering a Report dealing with all the aspects of the problem arising out of the conditions of the stonework of the Houses of Parliament. He is most anxious to arrive at a decision on the various issues involved in sufficient time to make provision for the commencement of the repairs in the Estimates for 1927, but he is not yet in a position to state what sum will be required, or how long the repairs will take. I can assure my Noble Friend that all possible steps are being taken to minimise the risk from falling stone, and also that delay in starting the repairs will not involve an increase in the total cost. Due regard will, of course, be paid to the preservation of the dignity and artistic importance of the structure.
Mr. SANDEMANIs there any chance of tenders being invited for this work with a view to it being done very much quicker?