HC Deb 13 March 1951 vol 485 c148W
127. Mr. Messer

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that non-union, unskilled men are employed on renovation work in the House of Lords and that damage can be done to the valuable panelling by men who have no technical knowledge; if he is further aware that this type of work is the normal work of French polishers; and if he will take steps to ensure that only skilled men are employed on this type of work in future.

Mr. Stokes

The firm selected for the renovation work in the House of Lords is well experienced in this type of work and the workmen they employ are fully skilled. I am advised that no French polishing but only cleaning is involved and I am satisfied that no damage will be done to the panelling by the methods employed.