§ 7 p.m.
§ Lord HeskethMy Lords, in adjourning the House during pleasure perhaps I might take this opportunity to draw your Lordships' attention to the fact that the scaffolding which has been a feature of the Peers' Lobby for so long has now gone, revealing a ceiling restored to its former magnificence.
I am told that the restoration has been achieved in a way which retains almost all of the original components. The old decorative panels have been carefully cleaned to reveal the original colours and the ornate timber ribs have been strengthened, using new techniques of pressure-injected resin. At the same time, a new structural framework has been constructed in the roof void above the Peers' Lobby, from which the restored ceiling has been suspended. The finished ceiling incorporates facilities for televised events, such as the forthcoming State Opening of Parliament, and reflects a great deal of credit on the Parliamentary Works Office, which is to be congratulated.
While I am on the subject of works, I should also mention that the inconvenience which your Lordships have suffered because of the work on the kitchens is now shortly to be over. It had been hoped to complete the work during the Summer Recess, but it was a very large project—as I am sure your Lordships are aware—involving 24-hour working throughout the contract. Unfortunately, after the building was opened out it was found necessary to carry out more structural work than was anticipated and that could have reasonably been assumed to have occurred. Some minor work still remains but that apart we now have our new kitchen. Congratulations are due to those who have carried out the work.
§ Lord Graham of EdmontonMy Lords, on behalf of these Benches I should like to say that there is nothing that can be added to what the Chief Whip said. We entirely agree with the commendations he has made and ant very happy that he has found time to make this statement.
§ Baroness SeearMy Lords, we on these Benches are also delighted that the kitchens are working again and thank the noble Lord for making this statement.
§ Lord HeskethMy Lords, on that happy domestic note I beg to move that the House do now adjourn during pleasure until 7.15 p.m.
§ Moved accordingly, and, on Question, Motion agreed to.
§ [The Sitting was suspended from 7.2 to 7.15 p.m.]