HC Deb 25 July 1949 vol 467 cc1807-8
39. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Works whether he will arrange for the model, now in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's rooms, showing the relation of the proposed new Colonial Office to Westminster Abbey and the proposed new layout of Parliament Square, to be publicly exhibited; and if he will send the Press the proposed elevations of the new Colonial Office.

Mr. Key

The model is not suitable for public exhibition. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"] Because there are specific reasons in my Department. I will make available photographs of the elevation of the proposed new Colonial Office.

Mr. Keeling

Does the Minister realise that similar models have been exhibited in the Tate Gallery? What is the objection to this model being exhibited?

Mr. Key

This is a model which was not done for exhibition purposes. It is merely used in the office for purposes in which the Department are concerned and it contains things which are not yet in existence in other parts of the area.

Captain Crookshank

I hope we are not to understand from that reply that what hon. Members of this House are allowed to see, is not suitable for other people to see?

Mr. Key

The point is that hon. Members wanted the model for a specific purpose and I put it into the room for that purpose. The general public can get all the information which is necessary from the photographs which we propose to distribute.

Dr. Stephen Taylor

Has the elevation of the new Colonial Office been submitted to the Royal Fine Art Commission?

Mr. Key

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Keeling

Would the Minister consider having a larger-scale model made showing only the juxtaposition of the new Colonial Office with the Abbey, as this is the most important site in London?

Mr. Key

I do not think that expenditure would be justified.