§ 39. Mr. DAYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, when the work of replacing and/or repairing the exterior of the Houses of Parliament will be completed; how much has been completed up to date; and will he give particulars of any difficulty or delay in obtaining the necessary stone for this work?
§ Mr. R. S. HUDSON(for the First Commissioner of Works): It is anticipated that the restoration of the stonework of the exterior of the Houses of Parliament will be completed by March 1942. Rather more than half of the work has already been done. It has been necessary to exercise care in the selection of stone but this has not delayed the work, which is proceeding at the most economical rate.
§ Mr. DAYCan the hon. Gentleman say what the cost of this work will be when 26 completed? Is it not a fact that it will be close on £1,000,000?
§ Sir JOHN HASLAMCan arrangements be made so that the unsightly scaffolding will be removed at the time of the Coronation?
§ Mr. HUDSONAs I have already stated, it cannot all be removed, but steps will be taken to lower the height of the scaffolding in New Palace Yard.