§ 30. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that the owners of No. 1, Devonshire Terrace, W. 1, have now given two months' notice of their intention to demolish the property; and if he will now take urgent steps to preserve this house, in which Charles Dickens wrote "David Copperfield".
§ Mr. BevinsThe answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes". My right hon. Friend is in touch with the London County Council, as the local planning authority, but it is too early to say what steps, if any, will be taken to preserve this house.
§ Mr. RobinsonWould not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that, quite apart from its outstanding historic interest, this is the type of pleasant London house of which we have lost far too many in the last twenty or thirty years? Will he and his right hon. Friend bear this consideration in mind before approving a plan to pull down this house and put up a block of offices in its place?
§ Mr. BevinsYes, my right hon. Friend will certainly have regard to that consideration, but as the hon. Gentleman knows, this is a matter, in the first instance, for the London County Council, which can, if it so wishes, make a preservation order. In the meantime, we are discussing the matter with the Committee on buildings of special historic interest.