HC Deb 11 November 1952 vol 507 c741
4. Mr. Edward Davies

asked the Minister of Works the nature of the roof repair now going on in Westminster Hall.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Hugh Molson)

The work in the roof of Westminster Hall was the repair of a minor leak in the fléche.

Mr. Shinwell

A thorn in the flesh?

Mr. Davies

Is it not rather strange that, after the extensive work that went on some time ago, further work should now be necessary? Was not this discoverable then?

Mr. Molson

Owing to the very extensive repairs that had to be carried out as a result of war damage, all the seasoned oak was used up and it was therefore necessary to buy some oak which was not fully seasoned. That was used for the fléche. It was known that there would be some shrinking, but it was hoped that it would not be as serious as it turned out to be.