HC Deb 16 February 1931 vol 248 cc862-3
56. Mr. BRACKEN

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he has consulted with the Fine Arts Commission concerning the design for the new Government offices in Whitehall?

Mr. LANSBURY

The Royal Fine Art Commission has been consulted as to the building line to be adopted on the Embankment side of the site. The commission for the design of the building will later on be entrusted to an architect in private practice. The precise method of selection has not yet been settled.

Mr. BRACKEN

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking, on the ground that this is one of the most important buildings in this country, that the plans shall be submitted to the Fine Arts Commission before they are finally approved by the Government?

Mr. LANSBURY

The Fine Arts Commission have always declined to act as assessors in this kind of business, and, as I am advised at present, I should not ask them to alter that decision.

58. Mr. HACKING

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will postpone the Second Reading of the Public Offices (Sites) Amendment Bill until the report has been received from the committee on economy?

Mr. LANSBURY

No financial commitment will be incurred during the present financial year through the passing of the Bill mentioned by the right hon. Member. In addition, the Bill before the House is the result of very full and complete investigation as to the needs of the public service, consequently I see no reason for adopting the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion.

Mr. HACKING

Surely the right hon. Gentleman will admit that it is not desirable to proceed with this Bill if in fact the Economy Committee decided that construction should not be proceeded with?

Mr. LANSBURY

It is in the interests of economy and efficiency that we are proposing to do this.

Mr. HACKING

Is not this committee the best judge?

Mr. LANSBURY

I do not think that committee or any other committee will be infallible.

59. Sir WILLIAM MITCHELL-THOMSON

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will place in the Tea Room plans showing the ground plan and elevation of the buildings proposed to be erected in Whitehall in pursuance of the Public Offices (Sites) Amendment Bill, together with a plan showing the existing building-line of the Embankment from Charing Cross to Westminster Bridge and the proposed new building-line?

Mr. LANSBURY

A plan will be placed in the Tea Room on which is shown the lay-out of the buildings proposed to be erected in Whitehall, the existing building line of the Embankment from Charing Cross to Westminster Bridge and the proposed new building-line. The preparation of the elevation will be the responsibility of the architect whose selection has not yet been considered.