HC Deb 17 May 1965 vol 712 cc155-6W
16. Mr. Murton

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what additional rooms at Hampton Court will be open to the public during 1965.

Mr. Boyden

The Cumberland Suite, consisting of an entrance lobby, an anteroom and four rooms, constructed by William Kent in 1732, has been completely restored and redecorated, and was opened to the public for the first time last month.

Two late Tudor rooms near the Wolsey Suite are at present being restored. Work is due to be completed later in the year when these rooms also will be opened to the public.

21. Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what has been the total expenditure on repairs and restoration at Hampton Court since January 1952; and how many additional rooms have been opened to the public since that date.

Mr. Boyden

Separate figures for expenditure in this category are not available before 1953–54. Expenditure over the twelve years since then has amounted to just over £1 million.

Between 1953 and 1961 a typical annual expenditure was around £65,000. More recently this has doubled. Much of this expenditure has been due to repairs outstanding from the War, eradication of dry rot, improvements to lighting and heating, and general maintenance.

The Cumberland Suite on the east side of Clock Court was opened to the public for the first time on 5th April of this year, after complete restoration and redecoration.