§ LORD BALCARRES (Lancashire, Chorley)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether from time to time projects for dealing with Chelsea Hospital have been under consideration which would lead to serious changes in the pile of buildings designed by Sir Christopher Wren, involving buildings upon the surrounding grounds, which are not only necessary to the architectural effect of the hospital, but of importance to the health of the neighbourhood; whether he is aware that two large blocks of flats and residences are now in course of erection on the hospital grounds to the great detriment of the river frontage of the hospital; and whether he can give the House an assurance that no steps shall he taken to destroy or alter the hospital buildings, or to build upon any of the hospital grounds without giving the House au opportunity of expressing its views upon the subject?
* MR. POWELL-WILLIAMSThere is no intention of interfering in any way with the present buildings of Chelsea Hospital, and the only buildings erected are on ground to the west of the hospital which has been for a number of years let on lease. The Commissioners have complete control over their own grounds, but there is no reason to believe that they intend to take any steps in the direction indicated by my noble Friend.