§ 34. Mr. HARCOURT JOHNSTONEasked the First Commissioner of Works if he will state what was the original cost of the Houses of Parliament; and what is the estimated cost of the refacing and repairing work now in progress?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)The cost of erection of the Houses of Parliament was approximately £2,300,000; the estimated cost of the repair of stonework is £750,000.
§ Mr. WISEWill my right hon. Friend consider, not repairing this House, but putting down a decent modern building in its place?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThat would be infinitely more expensive than repairing, but admittedly this is a very expensive building to repair.
§ Mr. BURNETTDoes not the enormous expense suggest the use of a more durable stone such as Aberdeen granite for Government buildings?