HC Deb 16 July 1963 vol 681 cc305-6
1. Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works on what occasion the stonework of the National Gallery was last cleaned; and what estimate he has made of the cost of cleaning it now.

The Minister of Public Building and Works (Mr. Geoffrey Rippon)

The stonework of the National Gallery was last cleaned in 1951. The estimated cost of cleaning it now is£7,500.

Mr. Ridley

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that it has already got into a shockingly dirty state and that there is not much point in floodlighting a building as dirty as this? Can my right hon. Friend see if he can get it cleaned?

Mr. Rippon

I do not accept the premise.