HC Deb 14 December 1932 vol 273 cc340-2
45. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Royal Fine Art Commission were asked by the Commissioners of Crown Lands to express their opinion as to the plan and elevation of the new commercial building proposed to be erected on the site of 4, Carlton Gardens, in relation to the rest of Carlton Gardens and Carlton House Terrace, and especially as to its effect on the appearance of Carlton House Terrace as viewed from the Mall?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Major Elliot)

The considerations mentioned by my hon. Friend were strongly emphasised by the architect for the building lessee, on the instructions of the Commissioners of Crown Lands, when he submitted his drawings to the Royal Fine Art Commission.

Sir W. DAVISON

Has the attention of my right hon. and gallant Friend been drawn to a statement by a member of the Fine Art Commission in another place that the Commission had not had before them the effect of this building on the property as a whole and, in fact, have since protested as to its erection, having regard to the surrounding property?

Major ELLIOT

I have seen a report of the proceedings in another place, but the position is as I have stated.

Sir ARTHUR STEEL-MAITLAND

In view of my right hon. and gallant Friend's answer and the general interest taken in the question, will he not endeavour to arrange that further work on No. 4, Carlton Gardens shall not be proceeded with until the whole question of Carlton House Terrace has been reconsidered?

Major ELLIOT

Of course, I will give due attention to what has been said in this House, but I can give no pledge whatever.

Captain SIDNEY HERBERT

What Minister, if any, is responsible for the decision of the Crown Lands Commissioners?

Major ELLIOT

The Minister of Agriculture is a Commissioner of Crown Lands, and he is responsible for the decisions taken by those Commissioners.

Captain HERBERT

Has the Minister power to veto their decisions?

Major ELLIOT

I am not aware that it has ever come to a direct clash or vote. As there are only two Commissioners, I do not know what would happen in such a case. The Minister of Agriculture takes full responsibility for decisions come to, both previously and now.

Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman satisfied with that statement? Is he not aware that when proposals were made recently for buildings to be put up in Regent's Park, they came to the Treasury, which turned them down? Did not the Treasury look into this proposal?

Major ELLIOT

My hon. Friend will be aware that the Treasury is naturally concerned with the finance of these affairs. The Treasury in this case, of course, had to be consulted and had to approve of the finance of these proposals. The aesthetic aspect of them did not come into Treasury consideration.

Sir A. M. SAMUEL

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that the aesthetic question did come into consideration?