§ LORD GLADWYNMy 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 when the exterior of Westminster Abbey is likely to be cleaned; and whether they are prepared to take any steps to assist its cleaning.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT (LORD SANDFORD)My Lords, since the cleaning of Westminster Abbey is a matter for the Dean and Chapter, it is not for me to say when it will be carried out, but I know that they are deeply concerned not only in regard to the cleaning but also about repairs to the stonework of the Abbey. They hope to be able to start this year what is sure to be a long-term programme. We are at present considering whether the Government can and 2 should make a contribution towards the cost of this work.
§ LORD GLADWYNMy Lords, while thanking the Minister for that moderately encouraging reply, may I ask him whether he does not agree that the present condition of the exterior of our greatest national monument is something in the nature of a national disgrace? Do not the Government think it is possible to proceed with at any rate some of the cleaning, without embarking on a long and costly process of repair work?
§ LORD SANDFORDMy Lords, I can assure the noble Lord and the House that this is a matter with which my right honourable friend and I, and the Dean and Chapter, have been concerned for some months. We have looked into it thoroughly.
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, would not the noble Lord agree that visitors would regard it as strange irony that the Treasury should be cleaned up by taxpayers' money while the great fabric of Westminster Abbey, which is an important tourist attraction, remains not only uncleaned but obviously with the structure of the stonework breaking away? Is it not true to say that it would be better to spend the money now than to wait for another twenty or thirty years when the cost will be infinitely greater?
§ LORD SANDFORDMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord for that very useful point.
§ LORD DERWENTMy Lords, is my noble friend aware that we do these things better in York?
§ LORD SANDFORDMy Lords, I am certainly aware of the great things that have been done in York.