§ 13. Mr. BOYTONasked whether a design for the Regent Street Quadrant has been prepared for completing the rebuilding; and whether, in view of the fact that the Quadrant from its original conception has had an architectural unity and dignity which have given an especial character and interest to that part of London, these facts have been an instruction to the architect or architects entrusted with the design?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANA design was submitted a short time ago by architects acting for lessees of premises in the Quadrant, but it was not considered by the Commissioner of Woods to be satisfactory, and the matter is receiving further consideration. No architect has been entrusted by the Commissioner of Woods with the design, and no special instructions have been issued, but the recommendations of the recent Committee on the subject of the completion of the Quadrant are known to the architects who submitted the design above mentioned.
§ Mr. BOYTONHave an architect or architects been appointed to carry out the findings of the Committee?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNot architect or architects have been appointed for that purpose.
§ Mr. BOYTONWhen they are, will the design include the County Fire Office and the block of buildings facing Piccadilly Circus and Piccadilly, or will it be prepared in accordance generally with the Committee's Report?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am afraid I could not answer that question without notice.
§ Mr. FELLCan the right hon. Gentleman promise that nothing will be done until after this has been debated in the House?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIf the hon. Gentleman means that no appointment of architects is to take place until after the matter has been debated, I am afraid I could not give him that promise. Nothing drastic will be done without full public notice.
§ Mr. KINGCan we have a promise that these plans will be exhibited in the Tea Room before they are finally accepted?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANYes, if there is any desire in the House to see the plans.