MR. HEADLAMsaid, he would beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works, Whether he will state what are the intentions of Her Majesty's Government as to the Site of the intended Courts of Justice, and as to the plan of the Building?
§ MR. AYRTONsaid, in reply, that Mr. Street, the architect of the New Courts of Justice, was now engaged by his directions in drawing up plans for the construction of the courts within the limits of the site prescribed by the Act passed in 1865, also within the limits of the funds which were provided by the Act passed in the same year. It was a very difficult work, and required a great deal of time and attention. He hoped—indeed he had no reason to doubt—that Mr. Street would in the end succeed in fulfilling his instructions; and, assuming that the requisite consents were obtained for proceeding with the work, and that the plans were approved, he saw no reason why the work should not be commenced at an early period. At present, however, they had not arrived at a point at which he could tell his hon. Friend what the plans and arrangements were.
MR. HEADLAMIs it a part of the plan that there shall be a communication from the north to the south side of the Strand?
§ MR. AYRTONThat is exactly a part of the plan as to which I am not in a 169 position to give information. If there should be no funds provided by Parliament for making such communication it cannot be carried out, however desirable it may be; but that, of course, will be considered with all other matters relating to the work.