11. Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Works what plans he has for rebuilding on the site of the old British Embassy in Rome near the Porta Pia; and whether he has chosen an architect.
§ Mr. MolsonProviding the Italian authorities agree, I propose to sell about half of the site and erect Embassy offices 1051 on the remainder. I am not yet able to make a statement about the appointment of an architect.
Mr. VaneIs my right hon. Friend aware that it is not every day that a British architect has the chance of designing a building in Rome alongside a work by Michelangelo? Does he not consider that this is a case for a very special competition?
§ Mr. MolsonI am fully aware of the importance of this site and of the great opportunity that it provides for the erection of a worthy building. It is for that reason that I am not yet in a position to name an architect for appointment for this job. I am doubtful about holding a competition, since that is not popular with architects, as was found in the case of the Nash Terraces.
§ Mr. ShinwellFrom where will the right hon. Gentleman get the money for this purpose? He could not find the money to remove the unsightly deep shelters.
§ Mr. MolsonIf the right hon. Gentleman had listened to my original Answer, he would be aware that I was proposing to sell half of the site, and with the proceeds of that sale I hope to be able to pay for the erection of a building on the other half.