§ 8. Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the Minister of Works what is the estimated cost of the wall to be built round 1A Kensington Palace; by whom is the cost to be borne; what is the wall's purpose; and whether the original Wren design provided for a wall in this position.
§ Lord John HopeThe estimated cost of the wall is £2,200, which will be met from the £20,000 being contributed from funds at the disposal of the Sovereign from the Grant-in-Aid under Subhead A of the Royal Palaces Vote. The purpose of the wall is to give the occupants of Apartment 1A reasonable seclusion in the use of a small private garden. The original Wren design is irrelevant as the situation with regard to the gardens has greatly changed since his day.
§ Mr. HamiltonCan the Minister say how this extravagant expenditure matches the sentiments which he expressed in his answer to Question No. 1 today? Further, will he say whether the policy now adumbrated by him through this action is that what the public pays for it must not see?
§ Lord John HopeNo, Sir; I do not think for a moment that there is any extravagance involved in giving the occupants of a house like this with a garden privacy in their garden.
§ Mr. HamiltonDid the Minister listen to the debate yesterday when the Government made a clarion call for economy? If he did hear it, why does not be act on it?
§ Lord John HopeI make a clarion call to the hon. Gentleman for common sense in these matters.
§ Mr. HamiltonIn view of the extremely unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.