§ 46. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Lord President of the Council what steps he is taking to ensure that buildings being erected for the Festival of Britain will be completed in time for the exhibition.
§ The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)I take it that the hon. and gallant Member refers to the buildings being erected for the main exhibition of the Festival of Britain on the South Bank. The Festival of Britain Office are working in the fullest collaboration with the contractors, consultant engineers and others concerned, and with them are watching progress closely. They fully realise that there is no time to spare if the exhibition buildings are to be completed in time for the opening of the Festival, but I am satisfied that everything is being done to ensure the completion of the building programme. When I visited the site the other day I was very much impressed by the way the workers on this job are putting their hearts into it.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of the architect's plans are several weeks behind in being delivered, and as he is jeopardising the taxpayers' money in any case, would it not be better to drop this scheme once and for all?
§ Mr. GallacherIn view of the advice which the Minister gave yesterday, that the House is the best place in which to spend the evening, will that apply to the period when the Festival of Britain is on?
§ Mr. Francis Noel-BakerCould I ask my right hon. Friend to what extent the plans for the South Bank will have been affected by the item of £1 million announced last week?
§ Mr. MorrisonI cannot say at this moment but I have promised the House that I will make a statement about that in due course.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyWill the right hon. Gentleman confirm whether or not it is a fact that the architect's plans are late in being delivered?
Mr. Wilson HarrisCan the Lord President say in what circles in this country any desire for the holding of this exhibition exists?
§ Mr. MorrisonVery wide circles. I suggest to hon. Gentlemen that when, with a united party effort—it was united at any rate, and I hope it will remain so—we are taking steps which will much benefit the 588 country in many ways, I think that hon. Gentlemen—especially the hon. Gentleman who has just put that one—ought not to try to crab them.