HC Deb 13 March 1962 vol 655 cc1113-4
37. Sir S. Storey

asked the Minister of Works what steps he has taken to ensure that home-grown timber is used in the rebuilding of No. 10 Downing Street.

Lord John Hope

None, Sir. In view of the special requirements at No. 10 Downing Street I have thought it inadvisable to limit the architect's choice, but I understand that home-grown oak is being used to replace oak floors.

Sir S. Storey

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the great need to encourage the growing of home-grown timber? Does not he think that it would be well worth his Department's while to encourage growers by specifying the use of home-grown timber wherever possible?

Lord John Hope

The operative words are the last used by my hon. Friend, namely, "wherever possible". If that means "wherever wise" I quite agree, but I do not think it would be right to go beyond it.

Mr. Lipton

Whatever timber is used, is the Minister taking steps to ensure that it is adequately treated with creosote or some anti-dry-rot mixture? We have had an awful lot of dry-rot in No. 10 Downing Street in recent years.

Lord John Hope

I shall do my best to see that the new structure lasts for a very long time.