§ MR. P. A. TAYLORasked the honourable and gallant Member for Truro, Whether his attention has been called to buildings of an enormous height now in course of erection near St. James's Park; whether any inquiry has been made how far buildings of such height are calculated to injure the neighbours by shutting out air and light; and, whether the Board of Works has power to place any limit to the height of 1857 buildings; and, if not, if he proposes to make application to Parliament for such powers?
SIR JAMES M'GAREL HOGGIn reply to the Questions of the hon. Member, I beg to inform him that the attention of the Metropolitan Board of Works has been directed to the buildings to which he refers near to St. James's Park. No inquiry has been made as to how far buildings of such height are calculated to injure the neighbours, who would, I apprehend, be able to assert their legal rights if injuriously affected as regards light and air. The rules of the Building Acts at present in force are calculated for walls up to 100 feet in height; but, where it is intended to exceed that height a discretionary power is given to the Board, which they have not felt justified in refusing to exercise in the present instance, having regard to the unusual strength and stability of the building. A Bill was introduced by me in 1874, which would have dealt with this question, but it did not receive the sanction of Parliament; and up to the present time the Board has not come to any resolution to renew their application for further powers.