HL Deb 08 August 1870 vol 203 cc1684-5
LORD REDESDALE

presented a Petition from the Vestry of Bermondsey, praying that no part of the land purchased for Southwark Park be let for building purposes: Also to ask whether it is intended to obtain powers next Session to purchase the remaining part of the west side of Parliament Street and the corresponding part of King Street; and whether the architect for the new offices has been desired to prepare plans for completing the Council Office buildings by connecting them with the new offices to be built on the other side of Downing Street, or otherwise, whereby the two blocks of building may be brought in unison: To ask in what manner it is intended to occupy the vacant spaces acquired within the new embankment, and whether it is intended to apply for powers to purchase the buildings below Graven and Northumberland Streets down to the new embankment.

THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE

said, that the Government had not recently directed its attention to the proposed acquisition of the west side of Parliament Street and the corresponding portion of King Street, nor had the architect prepared plans for connecting the Council Office buildings with the new buildings referred to. With regard to the vacant spaces on the now Embankment, he must refer the noble Lord to the recent discussion on the subject in the House of Commons and its result. He had to add that the Government had no intention of buying the buildings below Craven Street and Northumberland Street down to the Embankment.

LORD REDESDALE

expressed extreme regret at the manner in which these matters were dealt with; there seemed to be no forethought of any land exercised upon such subjects. The manner in which the communications between the Embankment and the Strand were to be made was of the utmost importance. If the land were not bought as he suggested a great loss would result to the country, because the value of the property was increasing daily.

Petition read, and ordered to lie on the Table.

House adjourned at a quarter before Eight o'clock, till To-morrow, Eleven o'clock.