§ 2. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Works what are the provisions made for the embellishment of the new district office building in Marylebone; whether by sculpture or murals; and whether any sculptors or painters have been approached.
§ Mr. Buchan-HepburnNone as yet. The first stage of the building is not planned to start for about two years, and it will be at least six months before planning has proceeded far enough to enable me to make any decision on these questions.
§ Dr. StrossMay we take it that by that Answer the right hon. Gentleman asserts again that consultations with appropriate painters and sculptors take place when the time comes, and will he make a declaration to the House, as his predecessors have done, that there will always be consideration for the proper embellishment of all Government buildings in this way?
§ Mr. Buchan-HepburnWhile I am entirely in sympathy with the hon. Gentleman in appreciating the desirability of providing artistic embellishment for suitable buildings, I must, of course, have regard to the cost. I will consider the matter directly the plans have reached a suitable stage.
§ Sir A. Gomme-DuncanWill my right hon. Friend take care that the sculpture does not consist entirely of Mongoloid women in an advanced state of elephantiasis?
§ Mr. Buchan-HepburnI will bear that point in mind.