HC Deb 07 March 1947 vol 434 cc911-2

Motion made, and Question proposed, That a Supplementary sum, not exceeding £58,800, be granted to His Majesty, to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1947, for expenditure in respect of Houses of Parliament buildings.

Captain Crookshank

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us why the Parliament Square contribution, which we all agree with, should count as "Houses of Parliament Buildings" expenditure? Why is it on this Vote at all?

The Minister of Works (Mr. Key)

I cannot give an explanation of why it should be here, but the matter seems to be in connection with the environment of the Houses of Parliament.

Earl Winterton

As chairman of the Select Committee on the rebuilding of the House of Commons I want to make it clear that at some time or other we shall expect what I would call a progress report on this matter. Possibly the Government might consider issuing a White Paper, because we have had no announcement yet as to the date when the building will be finished. I think' that the right hon. Gentleman the Minister of Works will appreciate the reason for my application.

Mr. Key

I will certainly give it my consideration.

Question put, and agreed to.