HC Deb 01 May 1950 vol 474 c1386
16. Mr. Eric Fletcher

asked the Minister of Works whether he proposes to take over Temple Bar as an ancient monument

Mr. Stokes

My Ministry offered last year to take over Temple Bar as an ancient monument. The owners did not accept as they feared that this would mean that the monument would remain indefinitely at Cheshunt, instead of being brought back to London as they wished. My Department could not pay for removal to London but we would not object to removal, subject to being satisfied that there was no risk of damage and that the site proposed was suitable.

Mr. Fletcher

Would not the Minister agree that it is desirable that Temple Bar, in view of its historic associations, should be restored to London at some place where it would cause no traffic inconvenience, and might not the Embankment end of the Temple be an appropriate site?

Mr. Stokes

Yes, Sir, certainly. I think the suggestion is a good one, but the authorities concerned would have to be consulted first.