HC Deb 27 January 1969 vol 776 cc246-7W
103. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works who are the manufacturers of the new carpet on the floor of the House of Commons; what is the yardage and the total overall cost including sewing up, fitting and laying; how much was realised on the old carpet; whether sections are to be offered through commercial channels to souvenir collectors; how long the old carpet has been in use; and when and whether the new carpet was put out to competitive tender.

Mr. Loughlin

The manufacturers of the carpet are Messrs. Templeton; 226 sq. yds. were used and the total cost was about £1,100. I do not propose to offer any of the old carpet for sale. It is my right hon. Friend's policy to get the maximum life out of carpets; they are not replaced until they are worn and shabby and any sections which are still serviceable are re-used elsewhere. The old carpet was badly worn and had been in use for 7½ years which in view of the heavy wear to which it had been subjected, is longer than might have been expected.

The new carpet was drawn from existing bulk stocks except for the 8 ft. strip for the centre of the Chamber which was specially manufactured by Messrs. Templeton to the same design and weave.