HC Deb 08 June 1893 vol 13 cc534-5
MR. BURDETT-COUTTS (Westminster)

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether it is the fact, as stated to a deputation by a member of the London County Council, and as reported in the newspapers, that Her Majesty's Government have offered the surplus portion of the Millbank Prison site to the County Council, exclusively for the erection of working-class dwellings, or in any other manner intended to preclude the formation of a public recreation ground upon such surplus?

THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. SHAW LEFEVRE,) Bradford, Central

It is quite true that the Government have offered the surplus land at Millbank to the London County Council for the erection of artisans' dwellings. They considered they were under a virtual obligation to do so by the 3rd clause of the Housing of the Working Classes Act of 1885. I may add that the Government have received strong representations as to the necessity for increased accommodation for artisans in Westminster.

MR. BURDETT-COUTTS

Then am I to understand it is not competent for the London County Council to devote the site to a recreation ground if strong representations are made to them with that object?

MR. SHAW LEFEVRE

The site is only offered on the condition I have named.