§ 42. Sir J. D. REESasked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware that the London Institution building in Finsbury Circus is in need of repairs to walls and staircase in order to ensure the safety of the fabric, stay settling, and remedy the effects of foundation digging in neighbouring buildings and of the railway running under the immediately adjacent Circus Gardens; if so, what steps are to be taken; when they are to be taken; and whether the Government is practically abandoning the project of using this 1872 building for the School of Oriental Languages?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN (Lord of the Treasury)The First Commissioner is advised that the building is not structurally unsafe; but some repairs will be carried out in connection with the alterations required to fit the building for occupation by the proposed School of Oriental Languages. The First Commissioner is not aware that it is contemplated to abandon the projected school.