§ LORD BEAUMONT OF WHITLEYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what they intend to do about the facade of the headquarters of the Department of Education and Science in Curzon Street.
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONMy Lords, the facade will be improved during a major internal refurbishing which is due to start soon.
§ LORD BEAUMONT OF WHITLEYMy Lords, I am most grateful for that Answer, which is very satisfactory. May I ask whether it means that the Department of the Environment is now taking a very real interest in some of the major eyesores of Government buildings in this country, including possibly their own?
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONMy Lords, to the first question the answer is a completely affirmative, Yes. To the last part, we have it and we must enjoy it.
§ LORD LEATHERLANDMy Lords, can the noble Lord tell us whether this major internal refurbishing which is to take place in the premises of the Department of Education will also take place in regard to its policy?
§ LORD DERWENTMy Lords, may I ask my noble friend, if I am not out of order, whether when the facade is dealt with the appalling working conditions inside the building will also be improved?
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONYes, my Lords; that is one of the intentions of this exercise.