HC Deb 05 July 1948 vol 453 cc31-2
64. Brigadier Rayner

asked the Minister of Works when the repairs to Westminster Hall will be completed.

The Minister of Works (Mr. Key)

I hope that the repairs to Westminster Hall will be completed by October, 1949, provided no unforeseen difficulty arises in obtaining materials.

Brigadier Rayner

Can the right hon. Gentleman promise, in view of the comparatively minor repairs to Westminster Hall, that his Department will complete Westminster Hall before the new Chamber of the House of Commons is completed by private enterprise?

Mr. Key

I have already given the date—October, 1949—and it is certainly ahead of the date when the new Chamber is expected to be completed.

Mr. Wilson Harris

Does the right hon. Gentleman expect that before that date the scaffolding will gradually be removed, or is this great mass of scaffolding to remain until that date?

Mr. Key

A great part of it will have to remain because it is necessary for the work that has to be done.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Does this refer to the roof or to the window at the far end?

Mr. Key

I am dealing mainly with repairs to the roof.