HC Deb 29 November 1926 vol 200 cc811-2
35. Mr. RYE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what steps he proposes taking to provide sufficient falls to the new paving in Trafalgar Square and by so doing avoid accumulations of surface rain water on the stones?

Captain HACKING

I am informed that the new paving has been given the maximum amount of fall in every direction, having regard to the existing levels. A few small adjustments in the edges of some of the stones have still to be made to improve the surface drainage; but I would point out that it is very difficult to prevent some temporary accumulations of water in such a large flat area as Trafalgar Square.

Mr. RYE

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that water accumulates on the stones and necessitates the employment of men to sweep the water into the gullies, after rain?

Captain HACKING

There is some accumulation, but it is not so bad as it was when there was an asphalt surface.

Mr. PENNY

In taking this matter into consideration, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of preventing banners and so forth from being erected on Nelson Column on Sunday, to the disfigurement of it?

36. Mr. RYE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works what was the total cost of the paving work recently carried out at Trafalgar Square, including all Departmental charges, such as surveyors, clerks of works, foremen, and those engaged on the staffs in Storey's Gate?

Captain HACKING

The total cost of the work in Trafalgar Square is approximately £18,160. The cost of the stone, and of laying it, amounted to approximately £14,400, but it was found necessary during the course of the work to replace nearly the whole of the concrete bed, lay a new drainage system and to provide new cast-iron pipes for the fountains, involving the additional expenditure of £3,760. There was no special supervising staff appointed, and records are not available of the staff charges attributable to any specific work.

Mr. RYE

Can the hon. and gallant Member say why Derbyshire stone was used in preference to Yorkshire stone, which is considered by borough surveyors as a more suitable stone for the purpose?

Captain HACKING

Because Derbyshire stone was considered by the. Office of Works to be the most suitable stone.

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Can the hon. and gallant Member say how long it took to do the job?

Captain HACKING

Many months longer than it should have done. There was delay in getting the stone, but it was not the fault of the Office of Works.