§ Mr. Harold Walkerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what are the arrangements for the disposal of fittings, fixtures and furnishings from the Palace of Westminster; and to what extent are such disposals carried out by private transaction or open public sale;
(2) if he will make a statement about disposals of furniture, fixtures and fittings from the Palace of Westminster during each of the last three years, specifying each item and naming those who acquired such items;
(3) what is the basis and method of valuation of antiquities, fixtures and fittings disposed of from the Palace of Westminster.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergIt is the Department's policy to retain for re-use all furniture, fixtures and fittings by Scott, Pugin and others which were specially 343W designed for the Palace. Damaged and broken items are also re-used to repair others. No "antique" furniture has been disposed of and valuation does not therefore arise. Goods that are surplus and cannot be re-used elsewhere in the Palace or Government estate consist mainly of used office furniture and worn-out carpeting. This is sold at open public auction at the Department's store at Wembley together with surpluses from other Government Departments. The sales are advertised widely in the press. Names of those who purchase goods at public auctions are not kept on record. No disposal of goods is made by private transaction.
§ Mr. Harold Walkerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment where the display of carved ivory that formerly stood at the terrace entrance at the foot of the Tea Room stairs is at present located; and when it will be restored to public view.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThis display is now located in Mr. Speaker's State Apartments where it was moved in 1972 on the recommendation of the House of Commons works of art Committee to make room for new showcases displaying medals and seals. There are no present plans for its return to public view.