§ 2. Mr. Farey-Jonesasked the Minister of Works when he will resume the work of rebuilding the New Palace Yard Arcade.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Harmar Nicholls)It is hoped to start rebuilding this Arcade during the next few months.
§ Mr. Farey-JonesCan my hon. Friend say whether it will be necessary to close the covered way?
§ Mr. NichollsNo, it will not be necessary to close it. A narrow footpath will be left; but the work is quite extensive and it will take some time.
§ 3. Mr. Partridgeasked the Minister of Works if he will demolish the brick buildings at the entrance to New Palace Yard.
§ Mr. H. NichollsPlans are being prepared for a new taxi light and police shelter so that these brick buildings can be demolished. It will probably not be possible to carry out the major part of the work until the long Recess of 1958.
§ Mr. PartridgeCan my hon. Friend tell us what work, if any, will be carried out in this Summer Recess? It is a long time until 1958.
§ Mr. NichollsThis is work that has to be confined to the long Recess. I think that the taxi light, which is part of the work, may possibly be done in the Recess of 1957. The remainder will, I think, be done in the long Recess of 1958.
§ Mr. Anthony GreenwoodWhy is it necessary to wait until the long Recess to demolish the eyesores which exist and which have been there since the war? Is not it possible for the work to be done before the long Recess of 1958?
§ Mr. NichollsThe work is not just that of demolishing the existing buildings. New ones will have to be built and new lights fitted. It is rather better to have the whole thing planned and carried out at one fell swoop. That, I think, is the considered view.