HC Deb 25 February 1937 vol 320 cc2182-3
61. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Health whether, seeing that the destruction of Reynolds' house, in Leicester Square, is imminent, he will approach the town planning authority responsible, and use every endeavour to prevent this historic landmark being eliminated?

Sir K. Wood

It is for the local authority to determine whether they will make an order under Section 17 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1932, but I will send a copy of the question and reply to the local authority.

Mr. Bossom

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for expressing willingness to send the question along, but seeing that this authority has consistently omitted to take action under this Act and is altering the face of London and eliminating all of our beautiful old buildings, will he not only send it along, but send an urgent request that action should be taken under the Act?

Sir K. Wood

I have a good deal of sympathy with my hon. Friend, whose views on this matter I know, but my difficulty is that in a case of this kind the owner has a right of appeal to me, and, therefore, I cannot express anything before I know whether he is going to appeal.

Mr. Kelly

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information that the local authority is doing what the hon. Member stated?

Sir K. Wood

No, Sir, I am merely sending the question and the answer to the question on my hon. Friend's responsibility.

Mr. Hannah

Must we see the whole of London rebuilt in imitation of Chicago?

Sir K. Wood

I hope not.