§ SIR HARRY VERNEYasked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether it is the intention of the Government to carry out the proposed plan of the Spring Gardens site for the Admiralty and other public offices without giving to Parliament the opportunity of discussing it; whether he is aware that there has long been entertained by the Royal Institute of British Architects, a proposal for continuing the Mall to Charing Cross, which would be rendered impossible by the Spring Gardens scheme; and, if he would cause plans, showing the proposed scheme of the Office of Works and of the Architects' Institute, to be printed and circulated for the use of Members?
§ MR. SHAW LEFEVRESir, before erecting any buildings on the site pro- 1606 posed for the public offices under the Bill now before the House it will be necessary for the Government to ask this House for a Vote of money. This will afford my hon. Friend the opportunity of criticizing the plan of building when it is in a mature state. The Institute of Architects have recently submitted to me a very obvious plan for prolonging the Mall into Charing Cross by a street of the same width. It would involve the purchase of several houses fronting Charing Cross, which have been valued at about £150,000. There is nothing in the main features of the plan which I have proposed which is inconsistent with this extension of the Mall if it should hereafter be thought desirable; but I do not think that either the present Government or any future Government will entertain this large expenture.