§ 19. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Commissioner of Works whether it is still proposed to make a new road joining Leicester Square with the north side of Trafalgar Square by a cutting through the vacant land on the western side of the National Gallery; and, if not, what are the changes in the original scheme for the improvement of this communication and when will the improvements decided on be put into operation; is he aware of the dilapidated condition of the Government property on the eastern side of St. Martin's Street; and can he do anything to put the walls and temporary buildings into better order?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Harcourt)I understand that the proposal for a new road has been abandoned. The interest of the Commissioners of Works in the matter was confined to securing the National Gallery against fire risk on the west side. That object has now been attained by negotiation with adjoining owners. The ground on the east side of St. Martin's Street is held for the purpose of extensions to the National Portrait Gallery and National Gallery, and till the question of such extensions arises, only temporary structures can be put on it. In the present state of 1970 the public finances, I do not see my way to spend money in improving the appearance of it.