HC Deb 03 August 1903 vol 126 cc1286-7
MR. CHANNING, (Northamptonshire, E.)

I beg to ask the hon. Member for West Derbyshire, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he has considered the proposals of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners to demolish the old residential quarter immediately south of Westminster Abbey and Deanery Garden, with a view to selling the sites for important commercial buildings; and whether, having regard to the undesirability and risk of erecting lofty buildings close to the Abbey, His Majesty's Government will make representations to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, or take other steps to prevent this proposal from being carried out.

MR. VICTOR CAVENDISH (Derbyshire, W.)

This is a matter which does not come within the jurisdiction of the First Commissioner of Works. But he would strongly deprecate any building scheme which might impair the safety or amenity of the Abbey.

MR. CHANNING

Has the Commissioner of Works no power over the height of buildings adjacent to such a building as Westminster Abbey.

MR. VICTOR CAVENDISH

I am afraid not. I can add nothing to my answer.