HC Deb 08 February 1982 vol 17 c734
33. Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Lord President of the Council when the Select Committee on the House of Commons (Services) last made recommendations to Mr. Speaker concerning the cleaning of the stonework of the Palace of Westminster.

Mr. Pym

On 13 May 1981. The recommendation—which Mr. Speaker approved—was that, in order to avoid unnecessary delays to the programme of restoration, work should be allowed to proceed while Parliament was sitting, and in more than one area at a time.

Mr. Janner

Can the Lord President now estimate when the work of restoration of the Palace of Westminster is likely to be completed, how much it is expected to cost, and whether it can now be completed without any further danger from falling masonry?

Mr. Pym

Every possible precaution is taken to protect the public, as well as Members of the House, from any danger of that kind. I cannot say when the work will be completed, but the next stage of the programme—the 1982–83 programme—will relate to the western elevation of the Palace. Good progress has been made with the first stage. I am sure that hon. Members, as well as the public, appreciate what is being done. It will, of course, be a long programme. I should not like to say when it will end.

Mr. Chapman

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, arguably, this building is the most beautifully designed building in the world—if my few designs are excluded? Does he accept that it is three times more beautiful when it is clean, as witnessed by the facades that have now been cleaned, as seen from New Palace Yard? Will he press ahead with the programme, bearing in mind that it is not just a matter of cost, but that it will be a tremendous national asset at which people will marvel?

Mr. Pym

I agree with my hon. Friend, who is professional in these matters, while I am a mere layman. He is absolutely right. We are undertaking a tremendous task in cleaning the Palace, but it will be an even greater asset when it is completed. My hon. Friend's remark about it being the most beautiful building in the world is a controversial opinion.

Mr. William Hamilton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, however asthetically valuable the building may be, it is probably one of the worst workshops in the world?

Mr. Pym

That depends more on the workmen in it than on the building itself.