§ 34. Mr. Tilneyasked the Minister of Public Building and Works how many rooms at Hampton Court Palace are unoccupied; and what are his plans to make use of them.
§ Mr. MellishAbout 200. Extensive and costly repairs and modernisation would be necessary before they could be brought back into use. Discussions are continuing with the Palace authorities over the future of the vacant accommodation.
§ Mr. TilneySince the cost of maintaining a roof is usually the biggest item in maintaining any building, is not the number of 200 unoccupied rooms far too great?
§ Mr. MellishOnly a few years ago the cost of the repair and modernisation of vacant space at the Palace was estimated to be £1 million, but the probable cost is now more than that. This is a Royal Palace, and it is for the Sovereign to say how the accommodation shall be used. We are discussing with the Palace authorities the best way to spend money and seeing what accommodation we can bring back into use. It must not be forgotten that much of the Palace is open to the public.