§ 10. Sir HENRY CRAIKasked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the Government, having decided not to acquire the site of Westminster Hospital, will exercise the powers they possess over the site in order to secure, in the public interest, such rearrangement of the frontage as may provide an adequate thoroughfare from the West to Parliament Square?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN (Lord of the Treasury)The First Commissioner considers that measures for improving thoroughfares are primarily matters for local authorities. If they should approve any 1645 particular method of rearrangement, he will be glad to co-operate so far as his powers extend.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs it not the case that this is a special matter of interest to the public, and that the only person possessing the adequate power is the First Commissioner of Works?
§ Mr. W. BENNThe powers of the local authority to effect improvements in thoroughfares prevail in this case as in all others.
§ Sir H. CRAIKThe First Commissioner has a control over this site which does not fall to the local authority?
§ Mr. W. BENNThe First Commissioner has a certain control over the site, but that does not affect the powers of the local authority to make an improvement if they think it desirable.