HC Deb 20 April 1964 vol 693 cc848-9
4. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works why the estimated cost of re-occupation services of Apartment 1A of Kensington Palace has increased from the original figure of £50,000 to the provisional figure of £69,600.

Mr. Sharples

The original figure of £50,000 was a preliminary estimate which was increased to £65,000 before the contract was let in January, 1962, and shown accordingly in the printed Estimates for 1962–63. The additional £4,600 covers increases in wages and in the cost of materials and the estimated final cost of additional repairs, the need for which became apparent only during the course of the work.

Mr. Hamilton

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of anger in the country about this shocking waste of the resources of the country, more especially as it is for people who can well afford to house themselves and, secondly, because there are so many thousands of people in London who cannot find a house?

Mr. Sharples

I do not accept what the hon. Member says.

Mr. Hamilton

Of course the hon. Gentleman does not.

5. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what has been the total cost of work done at 1A, Kensington Palace in the three years 1961, 1962 and 1963: and what will be the estimated total cost on completion of the work there.

Mr. Sharples

The total cost to the New Works Subhead of the Royal Palaces Votes in 1961, 1962 and 1963 was £68,000. The estimated final cost is £69,600.

Mr. Hamilton

Can the hon. Gentleman say what steps he is taking to recoup himself from the occupants of this building?

Mr. Sharples

This is a Royal Palace, and repairs and maintenance of Royal Palaces come under the Royal Palaces Vote.

Mr. C. Pannell

We have found in the past that the occupants of these buildings sometimes make a contribution towards them. Why not in this case? We tend to think there is a degree of capriciousness in the selection of decoration and such things as that.

Mr. Sharples

No, Sir. The cost of the boiler house, the boiler equipment, the kitchen equipment and some of the decorations was met privately by the occupants.