§ Mr. Robert Cookeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for the further cleaning of Government buildings now that the work in Whitehall is nearing completion; and what steps he is taking to encourage others to follow the Government's lead in this matter.
§ Mr. ChannonI envisage a continuing programme with the same major impact as that of the cleaning of Whitehall. The additional buildings which I shall be considering first include the Royal Courts of Justice, the Tate Gallery and the Imperial War Museum, and the New Register House and some smaller buildings in the New Town quarter of Edinburgh. Special consideration is being given to the Palace of Westminster and hon. Members will have noticed that the trial cleaning of the frontage overlooking Black Rod's Garden is now near-146W ing completion. After appraisal of the results I hope shortly to be able to submit proposals to the Services Committee of the House. The Government are doing all they can to encourage others to follow their lead. The Prime Minister is meeting many of those in a position to influence decisions in this field and I am holding a Press conference today on this subject. I am also distributing fairly widely a brochure and a leaflet bringing together the experience of the Property Services Agency and the work done by the Building Research Station. Copies of these documents are being put in the Library of the House and I should be pleased to let hon. Members have personal copies if they wish.