§ Mr. John GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he plans to undertake the restoration of the stonework to the Victoria tower at the Palace of Westminster; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChopeI am pleased to announce that a contract for the repair and restoration of the stonework on the Victoria tower and the south elevation of the Palace of Westminster overlooking Victoria tower garden was let to John Laing Construction Ltd. shortly before Easter. Work will start later this month. It will take four years to complete at a cost of some £7 million.
The placing of this contract marks the start of the final stage of the restoration of the exterior of the Palace of Westminster which began in 1981. It is intended to follow on with the restoration of the stonework of the internal courtyards.