§ 26. Mr. Keelingasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the proposal of the London Midland and Scottish Railway to destroy the Doric gateway of Euston in the course of building a new station with money borrowed under Treasury guarantee; whether he is aware of its beauty and historic interest; and whether he will consult the Royal Fine Art Commission as to whether it can and should be moved to another site?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Captain Austin Hudson)I am informed by the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company that, in the preparation of the drawings 1824 for the new building at Euston, very careful consideration has been given by the architects to the possibility of embodying the Hardwick portico in the design, but that it has not been found feasible to do so. The company is willing to consult the Royal Fine Art Commission with regard to the feasibility of the removal of the portico to another site. I am assured that the company fully appreciate the historic interest attaching to this gateway and are entirely sympathetic towards the proposal that steps should be taken to secure its preservation. They will glady give permission for the removal and re-erection of the gateway on another site if those interested in its preservation are willing to bear the expense which would be incurred over and above the ordinary costs of demolition.
§ Mr. WatkinsIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that at the time this gateway was erected Ruskin objected to it as being inappropriate for a railway terminus, and that the community wishes the company well in planning a new station at Euston?