§ 1. Sir W. Wakefieldasked the Minister of Works the estimated cost of a lift up to the top of Big Ben; the estimated revenue likely to be obtained from visitors if a lift were constructed; and why proposals for the construction of such a lift have always been rejected by his Department.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Harman Nicholls)There would be considerable practical difficulties in installing a lift. It is estimated that if these difficulties could be overcome the cost might be in the neighbourhood of £20,000. I do not feel able to estimate the likely revenue but, owing to limitations of space, the number of visitors at any one time would be severely restricted. In rejecting previous proposals my Department has had in mind the heavy capital cost, and the doubt whether the project would be economic. There is also, of course, the question of whether it would be acceptable to the authorities of the Palace of Westminster and to hon. Members themselves.
§ Sir W. WakefieldIs my hon. Friend aware that his reply will cause great disappointment not only to the people of this country but to the many visitors from overseas? Further, is he aware that towers like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Campanile in Venice, and others provide great pleasure for people visiting those places, as this would do for those who visit London? Can he tell us what are the economic difficulties which prevent the placing of a lift in Big Ben for the enjoyment of the public?
§ Mr. NichollsI can assure my hon. Friend that there is no question of our being spoil-sports in our attitude to this matter. It is hardly fair to compare Big Ben with the Eiffel Tower and the others mentioned by him. The practical difficulty here is that the Clock Tower would take a lift with a maximum capacity only of about ten people, and with the number of hours during which it could be opened it is extremely doubtful whether 983 in charging, say, 1s. for adults and 6d. for children, we could get the capital expenditure returned.