HC Deb 08 July 1913 vol 55 cc197-9
5. Sir J. D. REES

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether Parliament can with advantage and in accordance With precedents interfere with the discretion of the Government of India as regards the building of New Delhi; and, if not, whether the Secretary of State will abstain from making references to that Government which give an impression that public opinion in this country concerns itself in any way with the style of architecture to be adopted?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)

The House is the best judge of the limits of profitable action on its part as regards the building of New Delhi and as regards other matters. The Secretary of State is not aware of any act of his which might rise to the impression suggested in the last part of the question.

9. Mr. KING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will place in the Library a copy of the last annual Report of the consulting architect to the Government of India?

Mr. MONTAGU

Yes, Sir.

18. Mr. KING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India for the exact position and powers of Sir Swinton Jacob as architectural adviser for the 'New Delhi; whether the letter of his appointment can be made public; and whether he is furnishing any of the designs or plans for any new buildings?

Mr. MONTAGU

Sir S. Jacob has been associated with the architects as adviser on questions of Indian architecture. materials, and the like. He will not furnish designs or plans. It is not proposed to publish the letter of his appointment.

19. Mr. KING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will consult those architects and officials of the Public Works Department who have been engaged in the repair and maintenance of historic Indian buildings, so that their experience may be made available in the construction and style of building the New Delhi?

Mr. MONTAGU

The Secretary of State considers that in the association of Sir Swinton Jacob with the architects sufficient provision has been made for making Indian experiences available.

20. Mr. KING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can state, regarding the proposed terminal station at the New Delhi, what will be the cost of the work; whether the proposal for a non-terminal station, as suggested by other authorities, was laid before the Committee; and whether it is intended to make an early start to carry out the recommended terminus?

Mr.MONTAGU

The scheme recommended by the Committee was suggested by the Railway Board, the highest authority on railway arrangements in India. The Secretary of State has no information as to the probable cost of the work or as to when it will be commenced.

21. Mr. KING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India for the comparative length, either in folio pages or number of words, of the Reports on subjects submitted to them of the Delhi Town-Planning Committee and Mr. H. V. Lanchester, respectively; and whether, in view of the unexpected brevity of the three Reports of the committee, Mr. Lanchester's Reports will now be published?

Mr. MONTAGU

As I have stated in reply to previous questions, the Secretary of State understands that Mr. Lanchester submitted no Reports to the Government of India of a nature suitable for publication. But he will consult the Viceroy.

Mr. KING

Will the hon. Gentleman allow Mr. Lanchester to publish any part of his notes he thinks fit if he desires to do so?

Mr. MONTAGU

I think the matter had better rest with the promise I have given on behalf of the Secretary of State that he will consult the Viceroy.

22. Mr. KING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any notice has been, or will be taken, of the expressed view of the Government of India, in transmitting the Report of the Town-planning Committee, that very careful examination will be required before the execution of work contemplated; whether inquiry has been made as to the subjects to which this qualification applies; and whether, in view of this warning, the Secretary of State will delay the final appointment of architects and the final approval of plans now being designed?

Mr. MONTAGU

The Secretary of State has taken note of the conclusion of the Government of India that the town-planning report will be a very useful guide to them in their further operations, but that many details will require careful examination. He does not consider that any useful object would be served by delaying the appointment of the architects.

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