HC Deb 24 November 1884 vol 294 cc269-70
MR. BROADHURST

asked the Postmaster General, Whether he will state what progress is being made towards commencing the Government buildings in Whitehall; and, whether he will use his influence to commence the works as soon as possible?

MR. SHAW LEFEVRE

As my Successor in the Office of Works has not yet been appointed, I may be permitted to answer this Question. I stated at the end of the last Session that the Government had adopted the conclusions of the judges in the recent competition for the new Admiralty and War Office, and would submit a Vote next Session for erecting a building on the design of Messrs. Leeming. In the interval Messrs. Leeming have been engaged in making various improvements in their design, which I had suggested to them after considering all the criticism which had been made. A short time ago they submitted their design with these improvements, and I gave a final approval to them. They are now engaged in making more detailed drawings embodying all these improvements, which will be laid before Parliament; but the Government are under an engagement to the House not to commence the building until a Vote shall have been taken.

In further answer to Mr. WARTON,

MR. SHAW LEFEVRE

said, that the alterations which bad been suggested had not been submitted to the other judges.

MR. W. H. SMITH

asked if the final drawings would be exhibited before the Vote was asked?

MR. SHAW LEFEVRE

replied, that he should certainly exhibit the final drawings, including all the improvements he had suggested.