§ MR. W. H. GREGORYsaid, he wished to ask the First Commissioner of Works, Whether the Government have decided finally on the site for the New Law Courts, suggested in his speech on Tuesday the 20th by the Chancellor of the Exchequer; and, if so, whether the proposed site can be acquired without delay; and in what manner and how soon will the subject be again brought before the House of Commons? Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would be able to state the precise spot mentioned by the Chancellor of the Exchequer as a desirable site for the New Law Courts.
§ MR. LAYARDIn answer, Sir, to the Question of my hon. Friend, I beg to state that the Government have finally decided to propose to the House a plan for the erection of the New Law Courts on the site mentioned by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Tuesday last. As much misapprehension appears to exist in the House and out-of-doors as to the nature of the scheme suggested by my right hon. Friend, I may take this opportunity of stating that the site proposed to be acquired by the Government is that comprised between Somerset House and the Temple, bounded on the south by the Thames Embankment, and on the north by Howard Street and and several small alleys and passages connecting that street with the Temple and King's College. This site will furnish six acres of building ground. Mr. Street, who is now occupied in adapting the plans which he has already prepared for the Carey Street site to this new site, informs me that he will be able to erect all the Law Courts, and every office necessarily dependent thereon, upon these six acres. It is my intention to introduce very shortly—if possible, before Whitsuntide—a Bill which, should the House think fit to pass it, would enable the Govern- 1700 ment to proceed without delay to acquire the proposed site, and to commence the erection of the Law Courts upon it. I shall be prepared, on the introduction of that Bill, to give a full explanation to the House of the plan contemplated by the Government, and to point out its great advantages over all other plans hitherto suggested. At the same time I shall be able to give such assurances to the House as will, I hope, convince them that it may be carried out, including numerous and most convenient approaches, for the sum mentioned by my right hon. Friend—namely, £1,600,000, or at a much less cost than any other scheme. Mr. Street is now preparing detailed plans, which I shall be able to submit to the House before the second reading of the Bill. Before sitting down I may state to the House, what I had not the opportunity of stating the other evening, that I have received a communication from the Chief Baron of the Exchequer (Sir Fitzroy Kelly) stating that he and all the Judges with whom he has communicated, except one, are of opinion that upon every ground, as regards the Bench, the Bar, the solicitors, the suitors, and the public—I quote his own words—the Thames Embankment should be preferred for the site of the Law Courts.
§ MR. LAYARDIf the right hon. Gentleman will wait till I have an opportunity of introducing the Bill he will obtain every explanation.