HC Deb 17 December 1912 vol 45 cc1270-1
11. Mr. KING

asked whether the land scheduled under the Land Acquisition Act round Delhi includes the whole area likely to be needed for the laying out of the new capital of the Indian Empire; or whether the change of site from the Durbar site to the south-west of the city will result in an increased expenditure for the acquisition of land?

Mr. BAKER

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative.

12. Mr. KING

asked whether it is intended, in connection with the new Delhi, to plan and carry out an extension of the Indian city; if so, whether any report has been made on the subject; and what steps are contemplated to carry out this proposal?

Mr. BAKER

In laying out the area of the new capital the Town Planning Committee will, it is understood, provide for the extension of existing Delhi. But no definite scheme has yet been drawn up, as the Committee have still to submit their matured proposals.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Will this extension of the area to be taken over for the new-City be acquired on the same terms as the area which was originally intended to be taken over—that is, on the basis of its value before it was selected for the capital.

Mr. BAKER

It is all scheduled under the provision of the Act in the same way.

13. Mr. KING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will now carry out the undertaking that the Report of the Committee on the site and buildings of the new Delhi will be published at the earliest possible moment?

Mr. BAKER

The Secretary of State is in communication with the Government of India on the subject.

14. Mr. KING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he still adheres to the policy announced by him on the Indian Budget, on 30th July last, that architects for the various Government buildings of the new Delhi will be selected by competition from a wide field; and, if this policy is still maintained, when steps will be taken to announce the terms of the competition?

Mr. BAKER

Until the planning of the new capital has been finally settled and the requirements of the Government of India in respect of public buildings have been ascertained, the Secretary of State is not in a position to make a statement as to the selection of architects. He hopes to give effect to the principle of competition, but the subject is not free from difficulties in the special circumstances that exist at Delhi.

Mr. KING

I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to the matter on the Adjournment next Friday.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Is it intended to employ the European style of architecture both for public buildings and for the native buildings, or is there any distinction between the two?

Mr. BAKER

No decision has yet been arrived at.