HC Deb 29 January 1990 vol 166 cc62-3W
Mr. David Shaw

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his current detailed timetable for the cleaning and restoration of the stonework of the inner courtyards of the Palace of Westminster.

Mr. Chope

The repair, restoration and cleaning of the stonework of the Palace of Westminster is being carried out in a number of phases. The next phase will cover the Victoria Tower and south elevation, overlooking the Victoria Tower gardens. This is due to start in April 1990 and will take about four years to complete.

The final stage of the programme covering the inner courtyards will be tackled after that, but it is too early to say yet precisely when the work will start, or how long it will take.