§ Mr. Langasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the last known estimate of the cost of cleaning and restoring the exterior of the Palace of Westminster; when this estimate was made; what consideration was given to undertaking such work; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe present estimated cost of cleaning and restoring the whole of the exterior of the Palace of Westminster, based on a revaluation of the estimate prepared in 1973, is approximately £5 million. Expenditure of this order cannot be authorised at present. However, a limited programme of essential remedial work based on the recommendations contained in a recent report on the condition of the stonework, will begin this summer.