HC Deb 20 April 1964 vol 693 cc847-8
2. Mr. J. Wells

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what steps he is taking to preserve panelling and other woodwork from damage by excessive temperatures due to central heating in buildings under his control, particularly 10, Downing Street and 7, Old Palace Yard.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Public Building and Works (Mr. Richard Sharples)

Some shrinkage is occurring at No. 10 Downing Street and 7 Old Palace Yard. This is due mainly to drying out and not to excessive temperatures. The central heating systems incorporate controls to keep room temperatures to around 65 degrees F.

Mr. Wells

I readily accept my hon. Friend's suggestion that this is not due to excessive temperature, but surely there must be some very grave fault in the workmanship or design that drying-out should have caused cracks of the magnitude that are reported and are seen? Will my hon. Friend give the House an assurance that there will be a proper investigation into this and a further assurance that other ancient buildings under the care of his Department are not suffering from similar cracks due to new central heating?

Mr. Sharples

I do not think one wants to exaggerate what has happened. It is only in a few cases where some panels have split and this can be put right with the normal touching up which will always be required on works of this kind, and making good.

Mr. C. Pannell

If it is something quite minor, as the Parliamentary Secretary suggests, could he not refer it to the National Building Agency, but, if it is as bad as the hon. Member for Maidstone (Mr. J. Wells) suggests, does he not think the whole question of the rebuilding of 10, Downing Street should be referred to the Public Accounts Committee?

Mr. Sharples

No, Sir. I do not think we should exaggerate this. It is only in a few places where one or two panels have split and I think we should always expect this in a major reconstruction such as this.

Mr. Wells

While I accept that that may be the case in 10, Downing Street, which I have not seen, I am daily in 7, Old Palace Yard and cannot accept my hon. Friend's remarks that this is minor cracking of a few panels. It is major cracking in a great many cases. He should look into this far more closely, because hon. Members frequently visit that building and must be disquieted by what they see there.

Mr. Sharples

I shall certainly visit 7, Old Palace Yard myself. I have not seen it, but I certainly will do so.