§ 11.35 a.m.
§ LORD BROUGHSHANEMy Lords, I beg to ask the question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government, whether they are aware of the serious state of disrepair of Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria; and what steps are being taken to carry out the necessary works which are urgently needed to preserve this beautiful and historic building, fast falling into decay.]
§ LORD HENDERSONMy Lords, a certain amount of minor repair work has been carried out and more is now in progress, but the bomb damage to Kensington Palace is extensive and major works of reconstruction, amounting in part to complete rebuilding, are necessary. Owing to the shortage of labour and materials this work of major reconstruction has had to be deferred, but it is hoped that a start will not be long delayed.
§ LORD BROUGHSHANEIs the Minister and are the Government aware of the disreputable and uncared-for appearance of the external part of the Palace, with dirty pieces of paper flapping in the wind towards the Kensington Road, which causes most adverse comment from people looking at the Palace? Is he also aware that Kensington Palace is an historic national building where no fewer than four English sovereigns were born and died, and that our beloved Queen Mary was also born there, as well as Queen Victoria; and that the general public are very incensed that this building should be allowed to remain in this dreadful state of repair? If something could be done temporarily, without rebuilding, it 220 Would perhaps be a little more decent to look at.
§ LORD HENDERSONI am aware of what is stated in the second part of the noble Lord's supplementary question, but not of what is stated in the first part. Now, however, that the noble Lord has put the point in the form of a question, I will draw my, right honourable friend's attention to the fact.