72. M. H. Hyndasked the Minister of Works when repairs to Westminster Hall will be completed; and when the new House of Commons Chamber will be ready for occupation.
§ Mr. StokesThe repairs to the roof and the erection of the new fleche on Westminster Hall will be completed and the scaffolding cleared away by the end of April. It is hoped that the new House of Commons Chamber will be ready for occupation in October.
75. Mr. Longdenasked the Minister of Works if his attention has been called to the scamped or inexpert craftsmanship to be seen in much of the outside stonework of the new House of Commons, particularly in the window mullions; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy these faults.
§ Mr. StokesMy Ministry has not found any evidence of scamped or inexpert craftsmanship in the finished stonework of the new House of Commons. Perhaps my hon. Friend will visit the site with the architect (Sir Giles Scott) and show him the work which he considers to be defective.
§ 76. Mr. Haireasked the Minister of Works whether he will take immediate steps to improve the lighting and other amenities in the public places of the Palace of Westminster.
§ Mr. StokesThe lighting in the Palace of Westminster has been improved to the limits of the capacity of the present installation. It is now up to pre-war standard except in the Central Hall where the main chandelier cannot be used until a new switchboard has been installed for the new Chamber. Some further small improvements will be possible when A.C. supply is available later in the year. I am not sure what other amenities my hon. Friend refers to in his Question.