MR. JAMESasked the First Commissioner of Works, If it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill for the purpose of appropriating the area within Charles Street, King Street, 403 Great George Street, Westminster, and St. James's Park for the erection of Public Offices and improvements to the street approaches to the Houses of Parliament; if so, whether he will state further to the House the object of these contemplated changes, and their probable cost; and, if he can lay upon the Table the Plans and Estimates relating to the subject?
LORD HENRY LENNOXYes, Sir, I have received the directions to prepare a Bill for the acquisition of the area included in the Question of the hon. Member for Gateshead. The object of that is to effect the concentration of the Government offices, now very inconveniently scattered in different parts of London. I am happy to think, also, that in carrying out this very necessary work a great public improvement will be effected. The plans for the distribution of the various offices are still under the consideration of Her Majesty's Government; but when I introduce the Bill I will take care that both the plans and the estimates for the purchase of the area and for the erection of the offices shall be in the hands of hon. Members.