HC Deb 18 March 1936 vol 310 cc441-2
52. Lieut.-Commander AGNEW (for Mr. BRACKEN)

asked the First Commissioner of Works when it is proposed to publish the plan and designs of the new block of Government offices to be erected on the site of Whitehall Gardens; and whether a model and drawings will be placed in the Tea Room for inspection by hon. Members?

The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)

I have arranged with the authorities concerned that there shall be available in the Tea Room to-morrow afternoon, for inspection by hon. Members, a perspective drawing, two architectural elevations, and a model of the new building, together with a block plan.

Lieut.-Commander AGNEW

Will my right hon. Friend give the House an assurance that he will not give his approval to the construction on that site of any building the elevation of which conflicts in style with those already existing in Whitehall?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I think my hon. and gallant Friend will see to-morrow that this building does not come up to the frontage in Whitehall. It is to be behind the trees now in front of Montagu House, but it would be very difficult to say what would or would not conflict with the surrounding buildings owing to the variety of styles in Whitehall. I think he had much better wait until be can see the drawings and the proposed elevation tomorrow.