§ 34. Viscount SANDONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the Government has accepted the Report on the condition of the fabric of the Houses of Parliament; when the first Estimates will be submitted; and what would be the additional total and yearly cost if repairs or replacements were effected in exact conformity with the original design?
§ Captain HACKING (for The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS)My right hon. Friend is awaiting the advice of the Fine Arts Commission before reaching any decision regarding the repairs to the stonework, and it is not yet possible to state when an Estimate 807 will be submitted. The estimate contained in the Report provides for repairs being carried out in accordance with the original design, but the Fine Arts Commission are at present considering whether and to what extent it is possible to simplify various decorative features and eliminate detail without detracting from the original design of the buildings.
§ Mr. HARRISWill the First Commissioner consider—owing to the great importance of the building and the proposed repairs, which might materially alter the building—appointing a Royal Commission to inquire into the future of the buildings and their construction?
§ Captain HACKINGNo, Sir. My right hon Friend does not think there is any necessity for such a Commission.
§ 37. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether immediate steps can be taken to make good the stonework which has been removed from the central tower of the Houses of Parliament, which in its present state is a serious disfigurement to the building as a whole, without waiting for complete estimates for the necessary reparations to the rest of the building?
§ Captain HACKINGAlthough my right hon. Friend could not agree to deal with any portion of the repairs until he has received the recommendations of the Fine Arts Commission in regard to the building as a whole, he will certainly consider the possibility of dealing with this portion of the building in the early stages of the repairs.
§ 38. Mr. HARDIE (for Mr. N. MACLEAN)asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether, in view of the large sum which it is estimated will be the cost of repairing the ornamental work of the Houses of Parliament, he will consider some scheme of reconstruction of the interior with a view to providing more accommodation and better facilities for Members of the House to perform the necessary routine work which their constituencies expect of them?
§ Captain HACKINGIt will be for this House to decide whether the repairs to the stonework are to be carried out. As regards the latter part of the question, my right hon. Friend will always be glad, subject to financial exigencies, to consider any scheme which would add to the convenience of Members.