HC Deb 09 February 1956 vol 548 cc1792-3
28. Mr. Albu

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Her Majesty's Government have now come to a decision or the proposed plan for the building of an enlarged Imperial College of Science and Technology on the island site in South Kensington, approval of which was given in principle in 1953.

Mr. H. Brooke

The Government have decided, in view of the overriding need to increase the country's output of scientists and technologists, to adhere to the scale of development for Imperial College which was announced to Parliament on 29th January, 1953.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Can the Minister give an assurance that the same policy will be applied to the rest of the country?

Mr. Brooke

Perhaps the hon. Member will put a Question on the Order Paper on that point.

Mr. N. Pannell

May we have an assurance that in implementing this scheme no steps will be taken to demolish the tower of the Imperial Institute until the House has had the opportunity of considering the matter?

Mr. Brooke

There is a Question for Written Answer addressed to me bearing on the aesthetic aspect of this whole matter. My hon. Friend may like first to study my Answer to that Question and then perhaps pursue the matter further.