HC Deb 01 July 1930 vol 240 cc1778-9
60. Mr. CULVERWELL

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he will state the date upon which the Brazilian Government offered a site for the new British Embassy at Rio de Janeiro and the date upon which the offer was accepted?

The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Lansbury)

An intimation that a site would be available for the British Embassy in She proposed new Embassy quarter was received on 6th March last. The town planning scheme, however, is still in an immature stage, and much further information is necessary as regard's development generally before the proposal can be considered.

Mr. CULVERWELL

When will work be started upon this new site, and is the right hon. Gentleman considering sending out a permanent secretary of the Office of Works to investigate?

Mr. LANSBURY

It is impossible for the Department here to decide when the site will be available. It depends upon considerations over which we have no control. The last part of the question really does not arise.

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

Is it not a fact that Lord D'Abernon recommended that the site offered us by the Brazilian Government should be accepted?

Mr. LANSBURY

Lord D'Abernon recommended, it, but it depends on She development of the district concerned whether the site will ultimately be available or not.

Mr. SAMUEL

In view of the fact that that we had already settled on the site until a change was made and that we require a British Embassy at Rio, will the right hon. Gentleman see that some steps are taken to expedite it?

Mr. LANSBURY

The hon. Gentleman may be quite satisfied that every possible step is being taken to expedite it.