HC Deb 17 March 1964 vol 691 cc147-51W
Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Public Building And Works if he will break down the figure of £95,000 shown in the 1964–65 Estimates for Royal Palaces, Class IX, Vote 10G, for fuel, gas, electricity, and water; and what are the reasons for the increase from £84,000 in 1963–64.

Mr. Rippon

The breakdown is as follows:

£
34,860 for day to day maintenance and operation of plant.
9,155 for painting
22,325 for special maintenance of which:
£
1,500 for resurfacing basement corridors.
1,750 for the boundary wall.
4,900 for renewal of stonework.
2,000 for repair of stone carvings.
1,200 for restoration of stables.
1,000 for overhaul of chandeliers in the State rooms.
9,975 for minor works.
10,930 for Supplies and Parks services.
24,300 for maintenance of furniture and equipment.
26,872 for fuel, gas, electricity, water, etc.
163,404

Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will itemise the expenditure of £72,000 on the reconstruction of the Stable Yard at St. James's Palace as offices for the Royal Household; when the work is expected to be completed; and what will be the number of personnel likely to be employed in the building.

Mr. Rippon

The sum of £72,000 is a provisional estimate for the cost of reconstructing the interior of the building in Stable Yard behind the existing facade. It is hoped to complete the work in 1967. Between 30 and 40 staff are likely to be accommodated in the building, which will provide offices for Departments of the Royal Household under the control of the Lord Chamberlain, some of whom are at present housed in rented accommodation, as well as storage facilities and space for records.

Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will give details of the estimate of £42,000 required for the reconstruction of Apartment 9 of Kensington Palace; and to what use the Apartment is to be put.

Mr. Rippon

This Apartment was severely damaged by fire as a result of bombing during the War and is now in a derelict condition. The sum of £42,000 is a provisional figure for its reconstruction and division into two apartments. The use to which the accommodation will eventually be put is a matter for Her Majesty's pleasure.

Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will give a breakdown of the figure of £23,800 required for capital expenditure at Windsor Castle in 1964–65.

Mr. Rippon

The breakdown is as follows:

£
8,500 for the preparation of the Norman Tower for re-occupation.
7,000 for repairs, alterations and adaptations in the Henry III Tower.
3,300 for the construction of a pumping station, new drains and connections at Home Park.
5,000 for the construction of a depot mess room and joiners' shop.
23,800

Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will itemise those new works under £10,000 which are to be undertaken at the Royal Palaces in 1964–65.

Mr. Rippon

The total estimate for this item is £34,900. It is broken down as follows:

Hampton Court Palace £
Apartment 2: preparation for reoccupation 1,000
Apartment 10: preparation for reoccupation 1,500
Apartment 35: repairs and adaptations to form 2 apartments and prepare rooms adjoining the Wolsey Suite for opening to public 8,000
Provision of public lavatory accommodation 5,500
Provision of electric lighting in State Apartments, kitchens and cellars 1,650
State Apartments: heating improvements 430
Apartment 41: preparation for reoccupation 200
Old Office Yard House: reoccupation services 300
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Improved lavatory accommodation and additional wash basins 1,420
Provision of glass house: Croft-an-Righ Nursery 450
St. James's Palace
Lord Chamberlain's Office: alterations and improvements to caretaker's quarters 3,000
Apartment 31B: preparation for reoccupation 3,000
Kensington Palace
Erection of small workshop for Ministry of Public Building and Works staff 150
Windsor Castle
Home Park: construction of pumping station for drainage purposes 3,300
Construction of Depot mess room and joiners' shop 5,000

Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will give details of the £4,000 required in the 1964–65 Estimates for the supply of furniture and equipment to the Royal Palaces.

Mr. Rippon

The details are as follows:

£1,800 for the repair of historic furniture and supply and renewal of equipment for the State Apartments open to the general public in the Palaces of Hampton Court, Holyroodhouse and Kew.
£1,450 for the renewal of curtains, carpets and other furnishings in rooms in St. James's Palace used for State and official functions, and in Housekeepers' Apartments at various Palaces.
£250 for the supply of Royal Standards.
£500 as a contingency provision for minor unforeseen items arising during the year.

Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what is the nature of the building and engineering services appearing in the Civil Estimates, Class IX, Vote 10, which are costing £525,000 in 1964–65.

Mr. Rippon

This expenditure is for the internal and external maintenance of the structure of all the Royal Palaces and for their heating, lighting, water, plumbing, sanitary and lift services.

Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will give the details of the £56,000 needed in 1964–65 for the maintenance of furniture and equipment at the Royal Palaces.

Mr. Rippon

The details are as follows:

£50,350 as a contribution towards the wages of industrial staffs at Buckingham Palace (£23,500), Windsor Castle (£23,500) and the Palace of Holyroodhouse (£3,350).
£5,650 for the repair and maintenance of furniture and equipment in unoccupied Palaces open to the public (£3,900) and used for State and official functions (£1,750).