§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he has taken, or intends taking, to ensure the maintenance of Big Ben, in view of the difficulties now being experienced by the firm engaged to carry out maintenance work; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChannonI hope shortly to arrange a contract with a new firm which will ensure that Big Ben is maintained to the same high standard as in the past. I am sorry that the firm who made the clock and who have looked after it for well over a century are having to give up the task and I take this opportunity to pay tribute to their splendid and devoted work on Big Ben over all these years.