§ SIR JOHN SHELLEYsaid, he wished to ask the First Commissioner of Works, Whether any decision has been come to, and if so, in what way it is proposed to deal with the vacant ground between Bridge Street and New Palace Yard?
MR. COWPERsaid, he thought the House would agree with him that the large open space between Westminster Bridge and Victoria Street, and the magnificent view of Westminster Abbey from that point, rendered it inexpedient to encumber that open space with any buildings. He proposed to lay an Estimate on the table for facing with stone the unfinished part of 499 the clock tower, and also for erecting an ornamental railing in the position now marked out by the south line of Bridge Street. According to that plan the vacant ground lately occupied by the houses would become part of New Palace Yard. He thought the opportunity ought to be taken of improving the general architectural effect of St. Margaret's Square, as well as Palace Yard, so as to give a more direct communication for carriages between Victoria Street and Westminster Bridge, and also between Great George Street and Abingdon Street. He thought if the open space was properly dealt with, it would add to the convenience as well as beauty of the site, and make it one of the most ornamental in the metropolis.