HC Deb 11 March 1968 vol 760 cc956-7
25. Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will make a statement about the cleaning of buildings for which he is responsible in London.

Mr. Mellish

Work is in progress or will shortly start on cleaning Trafalgar Square—notably Nelson's Column—the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery, the Admiralty, the Old Treasury and the Wellington Arch. There has been much public interest in this programme and the results achieved on buildings already cleaned seem generally to be appreciated. I am reviewing the future programme in the light of the economic situation.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

Are the new methods proving cheaper since Nelson's Column has been cleaned? Are Nelson's head injuries endemic, due to the London atmosphere or were they inflicted, posthumously, by enemy action?

Mr. Mellish

I gather that Nelson's head is rather like Tory Party policy, in a state of disarray, but we are doing our best to see that it will be all right. With regard to the hon. Gentleman's earlier question, the new methods which we are applying today are in fact dearer, although I cannot give figures, but I think that the methods are that much more efficient. If the hon. Gentleman would like the figures, I will get them for him.

Mr. Whitaker

What progress is being made in comprehensive programmes to include private commercial buildings in a suitable area, similar to the successful scheme in Paris?

Mr. Mellish

I want to be helpful on this. I think that Westminster City Council would co-operate with me in appeals to private industry. Local authorities generally, where practicable, should also take up these schemes of cleaning some of these old buildings, which should have been done a long time ago.

Mr. Hogg

Is not the right hon. Gentleman intimating Nelson in another respect by turning a blind eye to the disarray of his own superiors?

Mr. Mellish

I do not know; I can only look at what I see in front of me, which is a pretty poor lot.

Mr. C. Pannell

Since there has been reference to what is done in Paris, will my right. hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there private enterprise pays half the cost?

Mr. Mellish

Yes, Sir.