§ LORD LLEWELLINMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question of which I have given private Notice—namely, to ask His Majesty's Government whether facilities will be given for visits to be made to see the work in progress in the new House of Commons Chamber.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF WORKS (LORD MORRISON)My Lords, my right honourable friend the Minister of Works has been approached to give permission for visits to be made to see the work in progress in the new Chamber. Noble Lords will realise that we are working to a close timetable and that the architects and contractors will be hard put to it to complete the reconstruction in time for the opening of the Chamber this year. It is imperative that there should be no interruption of the work, which is going on continuously. My right honourable friend is arranging for members of both Houses to be able to visit the new Chamber between the hours of noon and 1 p.m. each Thursday during the Session, when the minimum number of men will be at work. He regrets that he cannot extend this privilege to persons other than members of either House. It is particularly requested that members will confine their visit to the Chamber itself and not wander into the rest of the building.