HC Deb 03 November 1930 vol 244 cc476-7
78 and 79. Sir BERTRAM FALLE

asked the First Commissioner of Works (1) whether a site for the new British Embassy at Rio de Janeiro has yet been decided upon other than that originally purchased by His Majesty's Government for the purpose; and

(2) whether the discarding, for a new site, of the site already purchased for the new British Embassy at Rio de Janeiro will result in a loss upon the price for the original site purchased by Has Majesty's Government?

Mr. LANSBURY

Although a proposal has been made that a site should be earmarked for the Embassy in the reclaimed area in Rio, the Department is without definite information as to the terms and conditions upon which it will be made available by the municipality and as to the future development of the area in which the site is situated. Pending consideration of all the facts, no definite decision to discard the original site has been reached. It is therefore premature to discuss its disposal.

80. Sir B. FALLE

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he has received any complaint of the defects in design which exist in the new British Embassy at Washington, namely, that windows are too small, lifts inadequate for passengers, garage accommodation inconvenient, and that the larder needs to be converted into a store room with electrical refrigerators; and whether his Department is responsible for these oversights in design?

Mr. LANSBURY

I am not aware of any defects in the design of the building, although obviously in matters of architecture individual tastes and standards differ. The building was designed and supervised by Sir Edwin Lutyens and has received high praise. Certain minor alterations and additions have had to be authorised, as it was found that the standard of economy originally adopted had been too drastic.

Commander BELLAIRS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the defects are much more numerous than those mentioned in the question, and that the system of wall heating in that climate persists in heating the walls after a heat wave comes on?

Mr. LANSBURY

I have no information on that point, but, if the hon. and gallant Gentleman puts down a question, I will make inquiries.