§ 52. Mr. HARRISasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what repairs he proposes to carry out to the fabric of the 844 Houses of Parliament during the ensuing year; how far they will be of a temporary character; and when he will be in a position to put before the House a complete scheme for the preservation of the building or its re-facing by new stone?
§ Captain HACKING(for The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS): I would refer the hon. Member to the Memorandum on the Defective Stonework, which was published in November last as a Command Paper. It is hoped that the House will have an opportunity of discussing the proposals contained in that Memorandum when the Vote for Houses of Parliament Buildings is taken in Committee of Supply. The repairs will be of a permanent character, and, as soon as Parliamentary sanction has been obtained, it is proposed to commence work on the Terrace Front and the Central Tower.