§ Mr. Gerald HowarthTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer of 7 July,Official Report, column 323, if he will set out a schedule of the proposed refurbishment of the Lord Chancellor's official residence and offices within the Palace of Westminster, together with estimated costs. [9342]
§ Mr. HoonI confirm that the cost of the proposal will be in the region of £650,000. The bulk of the costs will be incurred on the restoration and refurbishment of the state rooms. I can also confirm that the following works are included in the proposals:
- Replacement and/or restoration of furniture
- Redecoration, including wallcoverings
- Replacement of soft furnishings, such as carpets, curtains and blinds
- Replacement of light fittings
- Miscellaneous work and services, including plumbing, heating, fire detection systems, electrical works and porterage charges.
The total estimated cost of £650,000 also includes fees to cover the work of a structural engineer, the preparations of designs—for light fittings and reproduction furniture—and the services of a quantity surveyor. In addition to these works, the residence will be further enhanced by the loan of very many paintings and sculptures, free of any charge, by major national institutions. The Palace of Westminster—House of Lords is moreover considering the implications of a proposal to open the state rooms to the public so that the public could benefit from viewing 519W both the residence, restored in accordance with an historically authentic scheme, and the works of art and sculpture within it.