5. Mr. Vaneasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps were taken to obtain one of the many historic houses in Rome for His Majesty's Embassy before the decision was taken to spend £350,000 on new building.
Mr. McNeilSeveral historic houses in Rome were inspected. None of them was considered suitable for modern needs and maintenance costs would have been heavy. It was decided, therefore, to erect a residence and offices on modern lines in accordance with the policy laid down in 1943 in the White Paper on the Reform of the Foreign Service.
Mr. VaneCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether he intends to rebuild on the present site of the British Embassy in Rome, which I understand is a large one, or intends to buy another site?
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanDoes the fact that this expensive house is to be put up mean that His Majesty's Government have now finally accepted the principle of the tied house?
§ Mr. BeechmanCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the present Lord Rennell of Rodd was consulted before this curious decision was taken?
§ Mr. BeechmanCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the present Lord Rennell of Rodd was consulted before this curious decision was taken?
§ Sir Ronald RossIs there no historic house of suitable size in Rome which could be modestly renovated for less than a quarter of a million pounds?
Mr. McNeilI am quite certain that we made careful inquiries. The matter does not end as the hon. Gentleman suggests. We had to make an estimate of what would be the subsequent cost of maintenance, and a modern house will save us money in that respect.