§ 12. Mr. Jesselasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to receive the report of Sir John Garlick following the fire in Hampton Court palace.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Richard Tracey)My right hon. Friend has asked Sir John Garlick to complete a thorough inquiry as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. JesselCan my hon. Friend say how long it will take to complete the repairs and reinstatement before reopening the palace completely to the public? What can be done to speed that up, as Hampton Court palace is not only a royal palace of great importance but a major national museum and a highly valued amenity for local people?
§ Mr. TraceyMy hon. Friend naturally takes a deep interest in Hampton Court palace, which is in his constituency. I can reassure him that all the state apartments are now open to the public, except for the rooms on the south front which were damaged by the fire and those immediately adjacent to them. We hope to reopen the outside area of the south front this weekend, but it is too soon to say when the remaining apartments will be fully restored and reopened.