HC Deb 25 October 1999 vol 336 cc757-8W
Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the difference in cost between the stone in the specification originally detailed for the restoration of the south portico of the British Museum and that finally purchased; and if he will make a statement. [94446]

Mr. Alan Howarth

[holding answer 19 October 1999]: I am advised by the British Museum that the stone is an oolitic limestone and therefore meets the original contract specification. I am also advised that the price of stone varies according to its size and the quantity needed, and that the price differential between Anstrude and Portland Stone is in the range of 10 to 20 per cent.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for what reasons it was necessary to purchase an alternative to the Portland stone specified for the restoration of the south portico of the British Museum; and if he will make a statement. [94614]

Mr. Alan Howarth

I am advised by the British Museum that in line with European procurement regulations, the contract called for an oolitic limestone (Portland Stone from the basebed or similar). The rebuilding of the south portico is an exceptional example of architectural reconstruction, demanding some 60 massive blocks for the columns and pilasters. The contractor advised the Museum that stone of the required quality and size could not be procured in sufficient quantity from Portland. Another oolitic limestone, Anstrude Roche Claire, was therefore selected.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment was made of the visual properties and resistance to weathering and atmospheric pollution of alternative stone to Portland stone; prior to varying the specifications of the restoration of the south portico of the British Museum; and if he will make a statement. [94444]

Mr. Alan Howarth

[holding answer 19 October 1999]: I am advised by the British Museum that there has been no variation to the specification, and the stone is fully compliant with the contract. The visual properties of the stone were assessed and approved by the Museum, its professional team and project monitors. The technical characteristics have been assessed by an independent body, and the Museum commissioned its own report. The courtyard will be under a new roof, so none of the new stone, neither the 900 tonnes of Portland Stone that is being used on the project, nor the Anstrude Roche Claire, will be subject to the same weathering as the original.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if the stone used in the restoration of the south portico of the British Museum has the same visual properties and resistance to weathering and atmospheric pollution as Portland stone; and if he will make a statement. [94443]

Mr. Alan Howarth

[holding answer 19 October 1999]: I am advised by the British Museum that there are minor differences in the visual properties and resistance to weathering and atmospheric pollution of the French Limestone. However, English Heritage has accepted that the stone is adequate. The stone will be in a covered courtyard, and therefore protected against the weathering effects of wind, rain and atmospheric pollution.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he was informed of the need to use alternative stone to that in the specification in the restoration of the south portico of the British Museum; and if he will make a statement. [94442]

Mr. Alan Howarth

[holding answer 19 October 1999]: The stonework in question is being carried out on the South Portico of the Museum's inner courtyard. This portico was demolished in the 1870s and is being completely rebuilt. I am advised by the British Museum that the specification was for "oolitic limestone" (Portland Stone from the basebed or similar). The stone that is being used for the main body of the portico is Anstrude Roche Claire. This is an oolitic limestone of the Jurassic period, as is Portland Stone. It therefore complies fully with the specification and is not an alternative. The Museum has been working closely with the Heritage bodies throughout and notified them about the selection of Anstrude Roche Claire in June. English Heritage has accepted that the Anstrude Roche Claire is adequate. We inquired about the choice of stone in August.