§ 42. Mr. Manderasked the First Commissioner of Works what is the position with regard to the proposed destruction of Whitehall Gardens; what steps are being taken to preserve these historical period houses; and whether the advice of the Royal Fine Art Commission has been sought and taken?
§ The First Commissioner of Works (Sir Philip Sassoon)It is anticipated that the demolition of the houses in Whitehall Gardens will be commenced in the latter part of June, in order to clear the site of the first portion of the new Whitehall building: six of the most important panelled rooms in these houses have been selected for incorporation in the new building and are being carefully preserved for this purpose, certain specimens of metalwork and furniture are being reserved for the Victoria and Albert Museum, and various other items, mainly mantelpieces and a staircase, have either already been utilised in other suitable buildings or will be taken into store for future use. The advice of the Royal Fine Art Commission has been sought in regard to both the details of the development of the site and the elevational treatment of the new building.
§ Mr. ManderIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very strong objections in artistic circles to the pulling down of these buildings, and in view of the fact that in the interests of National Defence it may be desirable not to house great numbers of civil servants in one spot, will he reconsider the matter?
§ Sir P. SassoonIt is essential to find more accommodation in that area.