§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Minister of Public Building and Works why the provisional estimate of £50,000 to be spent on Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace has increased to £72,600; and if he will give an assurance that this will be the final cost.
§ Mr. C. Pannell£50,000 was a preliminary estimate made in 1960. When the contract was let in January, 1962, the estimate was £65,000. Since then the estimate has risen to £72,600 partly because of increases in wages and in cost of materials, and partly to meet outstanding claims.
Until the claims are settled, I can give no assurance on the final cost.