§ 8. Mr. Cormackasked the Secretary of of State for the Environment when he proposes to continue with the exterior cleaning of the Palace of Westminster; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChannonI hope shortly to submit proposals to the appropriate authorities of the two Houses. We now have a successful method of cleaning by using a dry grit "mini-blast" and an elastic filler on cracks, open joints and stubborn tarry patches, followed by overall treatment of the surface with fine sprays of water and bristle and phosphor bronze brushes.
§ Mr. CormackI thank my hon. Friend for that extremely technical and comprehensive reply. May I express the hope that it will be followed by quick action, using all the methods that he has described, so that this Palace may become a fitting complement to Whitehall?
§ Mr. ChannonI note my hon. Friend's views. As I say, I hope shortly to submit proposals to the appropriate authorities.
§ Mr. LiptonIn view of the millions of pounds that we intend to spend on the 388 car park in New Palace Yard and the architectural monstrosities on the other side of Bridge Street, will there be enough money left to titivate the Palace of Westminster? Cannot we leave well alone and allow the Palace of Westminster to grow old gracefully? If we do not, it will begin to look like the South Bank, and that would never do, would it?
§ Mr. ChannonIt would be ungallant of me to draw attention to the hon. Member for Brixton (Mr. Lipton) in connection with growing old gracefully. However, he is anticipating a decision of this House by saying that we are necessarily proceeding with the new building.