§ 30. Mr. JAMES DUNCANasked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in connection with the repairs to the Clock Tower, it is proposed to overhaul Big Ben and the Westminster chimes; whether this will involve silencing the bells and, if so, for how long and from what date; who will carry out the repairs if required; and what is the estimated cost?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It has been found necessary to overhaul and clean the great clock and to re-hang some of the chiming bells. All the bells will be silenced for a period of approximately two months from the 30th April next. The repairs to the clock will be carried out by Messrs. E. Dent and Company, of Cockspur Street, the manufacturers of the clock, under their current contract, but the bell mechanism will be overhauled by the same firm at a cost of £260, under a separate and special contract.