ST. STEPHEN'S CRYPT

HC Deb 10 June 1952 vol 502 cc31-2

66. Mr. Mellish

asked the Minister of Works when he expects the repairs to St. Stephen's Crypt to be completed.

The Minister of Works (Mr. David Eccles)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 6th May to my hon. Friend the Member for Westmorland (Mr. Vane).

Mr. Mellish

Why were not the repairs to the Crypt done during the Summer Recess? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, because the repairs have not been done, during the last few months hundreds of people—many thousands of children—have been barred from access to one of the most beautiful and interesting parts of this Palace? Why was not some ingenuity shown to get the repairs done during the Summer Recess?

Mr. Eccles

During the last Summer Recess the hon. Gentleman's hon. Friends were in office.

Mr. Vane

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that the purpose of the Crypt is not primarily for school children to go through in parties but for services to be held there?