HC Deb 23 October 1950 vol 478 cc2476-7
37. Niall Macpherson

asked the Minister of Work what grounds the Royal Fine Art Commission for Scotland gave for advising him that the new Government offices in George Street, Glasgow, should be of stone of a colour not obtainable in Scotland.

Mr. Stokes

The advice given by the Royal Fine Art Commission for Scotland was that, for the design of the building which had been decided upon, cream coloured stone was preferable to any red sandstone. The Commission gave no grounds for this view.

Mr. Macpherson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the building immediately beside this site is of red sandstone, that the building diametrically opposite is also of red sandstone and many others, and that an opportunity has been missed of giving a fillip to the Scottish freestone industry at a time when it is badly needed?

Mr. Stokes

Yes, I am aware of that, but I am a great believer in variety being the spice of life.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in Scotland there are ample supplies of beautiful stone of other colours, including granite at Aberdeen and Peterhead, and can he say why it was not used?

Mr. Stokes

If my hon. and learned Friend will tell me where it can be found I will have a look at it, but not in connection with this building. Exhaustive inquiries were made, but it was not possible to obtain a suitable cream-coloured stone from Scottish quarries.

Mr. Rankin

Can my right hon. Friend tell me where red sandstone is produced?

Mr. Stokes

Yes, I could.