§ MR. A. JOHNSTONasked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether any of the houses standing between Parliament Street and the new Colonial and Home Offices are likely to be taken down before the meeting of Parliament in next year; and, if so, whether he will under-take that no steps inconsistent with the ground on which they stand being thrown into the roadway shall be taken previously to such meeting of Parliament?
§ MR. AYRTONI think, Sir, it extremely probable that the houses referred to will all be taken down before the meeting of Parliament next Session; but 496 no further work will be done on the land than is necessary for the completion of the new Home and Colonial Offices. That work will not extend over much of the site; but of course the new Home and Colonial Offices must be completed as quickly as possible.
§ MR. A. JOHNSTONThe right hon. Gentleman has not answered the latter part of my Question—whether he will undertake that no steps should be taken inconsistent with the ground on which the houses stand being thrown into the roadway?
§ MR. AYRTONNo further steps will be taken than such as are necessary for the completion of the new Home and Colonial Offices.