HC Deb 27 June 1988 vol 136 c20
34. Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Lord President of the Council when he expects the uncleaned parts of the exterior of the parliamentary building to be refurbished; and what cost; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Wakeham

Work on the remaining unrestored exterior stonework will take approximately five years to complete at an estimated cost of £6 million to £8 million.

Mr. Greenway

Does my right hon. Friend agree that there must be some continuing damage to the uncleaned stonework in view of the crumbling nature of the cleaned stonework, discovered by the cleaners? Does he agree that it is aesthetically offensive for the Victoria Tower to remain uncleaned, as against the beautiful and cleaned exterior of the remainder of the Palace?

Mr. Wakeham

I agree that we need to get on with the work as efficiently and effectively as we can. I agree also that the money being spent is not only to clean the fabric of the stonework but to restore it to a safe condition because some stones have fallen.