HC Deb 10 June 1907 vol 175 cc1051-2
MR. CLELAND (Glasgow, Bridgeton)

To ask the First Commissioner of Works what steps he proposes to take to secure that the new electric generating station near the Houses of Parliament and the British Art Gallery shall be constructed and worked so as to obviate injury to the fabrics of these public buildings, the art treasures therein, and the vegetation in the Victoria Tower Gardens which are about to be extended at great cost close up to the new station site.

(Answered by Mr. Harcourt.) I shall do my utmost to obtain the insertion of protective provisions at a later stage of a Bill now before this House. With the opinions of Professor Church and Dr. Thorpe before me, and the knowledge lately acquired of what is happening elsewhere, I take a most serious view of the national risk which is being incurred in this matter unless precautions are adopted, according to my recommendations, to protect the Houses of Parliament, the adjoining grounds and the British Art Gallery. I hope I shall have public support in my action.