HC Deb 22 July 1931 vol 255 c1466
1. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position with reference to the new League of Nations buildings at Geneva; and what progress has been made?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Dalton)

Work on the excavations and foundations was begun on the 1st March last, and is progressing steadily. The time allowed for the work under the contract is 18 to 20 months. Some delay has been experienced in the excavations, owing to the nature of the soil, but the Building Committee is taking steps to push forward the work, and will present a full report to the Secretary-General before or during the next Assembly.

Mr. MANDER

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many architects there are in control of this work?

Mr. DALTON

I believe that the number is five.

Mr. MANDER

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that it would be better to appoint one architect to see that the matter is really pressed forward in a proper manner?

Mr. DALTON

I think that that suggestion has been made. I will convey it to my right hon. Friend, in case he should think it well to make it again.

Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

Could not the one architect be a British one?