LORD FARINGDONasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they can now report on the possibility of making good the damage to the structure and the losses from the fire at the Imperial War Museum in October last.
§ BARONESS PHILLIPSIt is estimated that the total cost of repairing the building will be about £180,000. This includes the cost of restoring the exterior of the Dome and the Reading Room interior to their former style as well as emergency works. In addition, about £20,000 will be required to replace., furniture and fittings. The work of repairing the building has started and it should be completely restored towards the end of 1971.
The Museum has appealed for books and periodicals to replace those destroyed or severely damaged. A special supplement of £2,500 to the Museum's normal purchase grant is being made in the current year to replace essential reference material. When the Museum has assessed the result of the appeal, consideration will be given if necessary to the possibility of further financial assistance.
House adjourned at five minutes past nine o'clock.