HC Deb 05 May 1959 vol 605 cc213-4
37. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Minister of Works to what extent he has authorised delays in maintenance works at the Royal Opera House during the past three years.

Mr. Molson

The only authority given to the Royal Opera House to delay any of the obligations under their lease concerned the external painting of the building, which was deferred from 1956 to 1957 so as to coincide with the centenary of the Opera House. This was done with the permission of the owners of the freehold of the property.

Mr. Jeger

Is not the Minister aware that, in page 3, the last annual report of the Royal Opera House states: Year by year we have deferred important maintenance expenditure on this historic building "? Would not the right hon. Gentleman look again at this to see if it is not possible for the Ministry of Works to take over the Royal Opera House in order to preserve it, and keep it in proper condition?

Mr. Molson

The hon. Gentleman has already raised his second point with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend then said upon the subject. As to maintenance, I have no responsibility for the publication of this report, or for the statements contained therein, but I am satisfied that no essential maintenance of the structure of the Royal Opera House has been deferred.

Mr. Jeger

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, and the obvious dissention between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Minister of Works over the meaning of the words "essential" and "important", I beg to give notice that I will seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.