§ 1. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement on the proposed rebuilding of Knightsbridge Barracks; and how soon he expects this work to be put in hand.
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. John Profumo)Knightsbridge Barracks is to be demolished and replaced by a new barracks, with some married quarters, for the Household Cavalry. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Public Building and Works will be responsible for this redevelopment. Although considerable preliminary work has already been done, this is a complex and important project, requiring full discussion with the planning authorities, and rebuilding cannot start before 1965.
§ Sir H. Legge-BourkeHas my right hon. Friend seriously considered the possibility of resiting these barracks on the site now occupied by the old Magazine 190 in Hyde Park? Has he borne in mind the immense value of the present site of the barracks and that it might be more helpful to the Exchequer, apart from anybody else, if the present site were sold and new barracks erected at a place not quite so expensive?
§ Mr. ProfumoI have carefully considered these and other alternative projects and sites, but I am satisfied that this is the best and right site for this project. At all events, the Knightsbridge site is part of the Royal Parks and its sale for purposes of other development would be precluded by Statute.