HC Deb 16 July 1963 vol 681 c306
2. Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will institute a programme of regular cleaning of the stonework of the major public buildings under his control.

Mr. Rippon

I propose for the time being to continue my present policy of considering particular cases on their merits. I have, however, put in hand a review of the whole matter in the light of increasing experience in this country and abroad.

Mr. Ridley

Has my right hon. Friend visited Paris lately and seen the absolutely staggering transformation which has been carried out there to public buildings? Will he make a further statement—if he is making investigations—as to his plans in this matter?

Mr. Rippon

I have, happily, visited Paris from time to time. I think that the progress made there is remarkable, but the circumstances are, of course, rather different. I will certainly consider publishing the review if it proves to be of sufficient general interest.

Mr. Stodart

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the wonderful transformation which his Department has carried out to the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh and also to Princes Street, and will he undertake further work of that kind in Edinburgh?

Mr. Rippon

Yes, I will. Work on cleaning the National Gallery of Scotland has started and I expect it to be finished by June, 1964.