Mr. Lucasasked the Minister of Works the estimated total cost of the restoration of Chiswick House; and if he will give figures showing how the actual expenditure compares with the original estimates.
§ Mr. MolsonThe original estimate of the cost of restoring Chiswick House, which was made in 1948 before the building was examined in detail, was £80,000 to £100,000. Prices have risen by over 30 per cent. since then, and the last detailed estimate, made in 1955, was £130,000; it now seems likely that the eventual cost will be rather more than this. Just over £100,000 has been spent so far.
Mr. Lucasasked the Minister of Works what repairs still remain to be undertaken at Chiswick House and when it is expected that these will be completed.
§ Mr. MolsonSome external and much internal work, particularly decorations and plaster repairs, remain to be done to the Villa, and considerable repairs are needed to the Link Building and the Summer Parlour. I hope that work on the Villa will be completed next year. Work to the other buildings should be finished by 1961.