Earl Fortescueasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have to restore the Albert Memorial; and if they will make a statement.
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§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Belstead)The memorial is now over a hundred years old. Water penetration has caused corrosion which has weakened the iron structure of the roof and spire. Below the roof level the structure of the memorial is generally sound but many of the sculptures and other decorations have been damaged or are badly weathered.
The Government therefore intend that the memorial should be repaired and restored. Costs will of course have to be contained within acceptable levels. We shall be seeking further expert advice on the feasibility and cost of alternative options before deciding on how to proceed.
I am arranging for an engineer's report on the condition of the ironwork in the roof and spire to be placed in the Library.