HC Deb 23 January 1951 vol 483 c15
30. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Works whether he knows that the plans of the proposed new Foreign Office substitute two pedimented features for one in the facade overlooking the Mall and therefore do not bear out his assurance that Nash's facade is preserved; whether he is aware that the plans ignore the advice of the Crown Lands Advisory Committee that the height of the terrace should not be raised; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Stokes

The architect's drawings show the Nash pediments removed but I propose to follow the advice of the Royal Fine Art Commission and leave the pediments in place until the new building has been completed. It will then be decided whether they ought to be retained. I am aware that the Crown Lands Advisory Committee said that the height of the buildings in Carlton House Terrace ought not to be extended. We have, however, consulted the Royal Fine Art Commission, who approved the architect's plans, proposing a small increase in height, subject to further consideration of the pediments.

Mr. Keeling

Is the Minister aware that the scheme has been widely condemned by the better newspapers?

Mr. Stokes

Yes, but I am bound to say that none of the newspaper reports I have read bears any relation to the facts.