HC Deb 15 July 1969 vol 787 cc380-1
5. Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works how many public buildings coming under his supervision have been cleaned in the past three years; and at what estimated cost.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Public Building and Works (Mr. Charles Loughlin)

All or major parts of twelve buildings have been cleaned and work has begun on one more. In addition, Trafalgar Square, notably Nelson's Column, and the Wellington Arch have been cleaned. The total cost so far is some £70,000.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that these cleaning operations are much appreciated by visitors to London and also by those who pass them every day? Is it not now logical that the lists of buildings to be cleaned should include the most important building of all, the Palace of Westminster?

Mr. Loughlin

I agree that the cleaning of buildings is desirable since they are an amenity. But we have the task of maintaining buildings, and the maintenance of buildings costs a lot of money. We can undertake only a certain amount of cleaning in any given year.

Mr. Whitaker

In view of the tremendous benefits to tourism and the excellent results in Whitehall and Trafalgar Square, will my hon. Friend also consider cleaning the British Museum and Buckingham Palace?

Mr. Loughlin

The 1969–70 programme includes a start on the Mall facade of Buckingham Palace, and the House will accept that Buckingham Palace itself is a great tourist attraction. We shall also be undertaking work on the Royal Naval College, the Tower of London, the old Register House in Edinburgh, and Gwydyr House. I do not think we can do more at this stage.

Mr. Kitson

Although I appreciate how necessary it is to undertake the cleaning, would it not be of advantage if we were to reduce the pigeon population in Trafalgar Square?

Mr. Loughlin

It would be an advantage to reduce the pigeon population, but an enormous number of authorities have attempted to get rid of birds of one kind or another and it is an intractable problem.