§ 37. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Works if, before the present restoration of Westminster Hall is complete, he will initiate some excavation of the staircase in the Hall, in view of the opinion held by antiquaries that the ancient marble slab known as the King's Bench, formerly 589 used at coronations and in the administration of justice, is buried therein.
§ Mr. StokesThe staircase in Westminster Hall is of 19th century date and is built on brick arches, whose foundations are lower than the original floor level of the Norman Hall. It is therefore most improbable that the marble slab is buried there. It would be a considerable and expensive undertaking to excavate under the staircase and, in view of the advice I have been given, I do not think I should be justified in doing so.
§ Mr. DribergIs my right hon. Friend aware that this opinion was advanced in one of the officially approved guide-books to the Palace of Westminster, and can he tell me what he or one of his remote predecessors has done with this large marble slab?
§ Mr. StokesI have no information about that. I would inform my hon. Friend, however, that this construction underneath the stairway is of a very unusual nature, and that to meddle about with it would involve very considerable expenditure which I do not think would he justified.