HC Deb 30 July 1930 vol 242 cc495-6
48. Mr. HARDIE

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order to prevent national dissatisfaction such as has arisen over the building for the Calton site, he will set up a works department for Scotland with full responsibility for designing and carrying out Government work?

49. Mr. SINKINSON

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the opposition in Scotland to the plans for public buildings sought to be imposed on Edinburgh by the Office of Works in London; and whether he can see his way to introduce legislation or regulations placing the Scottish portion of the duties of the Office of Works under the Secretary of State for Scotland?

The PRIME MINISTER

I would refer my hon. Friends to the answer given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to my hon. Friend the Member for Lich-field (Mr. Lovat-Fraser) on the 2nd April last on this subject. I am aware that there have been differences of opinion in Scotland over the proposals put forward by the Office of Works for building on the Calton site, but I see no reason to suggest that either of the changes of administration suggested would resolve those differences.

Mr. HARDIE

Apart from the immediate question of the Calton site, does not the Prime Minister think that it is exceedingly extravagant that this and other similar Scottish matters should be dealt with by a Works Department in London?

The PRIME MINISTER

I think that the point as to an independent Works Department ought to be raised apart from the question of this site.

Mr. SKELTON

Is it not more important that the design should be open to architects as a whole, and not confined to Government Departments?

64. Mr. SINKINSON

asked the First Commissioner of Works if any alternative sites have been represented to him in place of the proposed Calton site for Government offices in Edinburgh; and if any decision has been arrived at?

Mr. LANSBURY

One or two alternative sites for Government Offices in Edinburgh have been mentioned, but they do not require consideration at present, in view of the proposal to build on the Calton Jail site; I would refer my hon. Friend to my answer to various questions on the 28th instant