§ Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the Minister of Public Building and Works why the original estimate of £50,000 for re-occupation services at 1A Kensington Palace has been exceeded by £17,000; and if he will provide details of this increase.
§ Mr. RipponThe original figure of £50,000 was a preliminary estimate which was increased to £65,000 before the contract was let in January, 1962, and shown accordingly in the printed Estimates for 1962–63. Details of the estimate of £65,000 were given in reply to the hon. Member's Question on 10th April, 1962. Of the further £2,000, £1,300 is for making good structural defects which came to light during the course of the work, and £700 for increases in wages and materials costs.