HC Deb 21 November 1957 vol 578 cc554-5
36. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will give an assurance that Her Majesty's Government will withhold approval of any proposal to demolish the Nash Terraces.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I must ask the House to await the statement by the Crown Estate Commissioners before expecting any indication of the Government's views on this problem.

Mr. Robinson

In the meantime, would the right hon. Gentleman confirm that the final responsibility for the preservation of these uniquely beautiful terraces rests not with the Crown Estate Commissioners but with Her Majesty's Government and with this House?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir, but provided that we are satisfied that the views of the Crown Commissioners are, as I believe they will be, satisfactory, it will be better for the Government to allow the Crown Commissioners to go ahead with their plan. I am available to see any hon. Member who wishes to see me, and I should like to encourage the Crown Commissioners to make a statement at the very earliest possible day. Hon. Members would then have it before them, and I hope that it would do something to allay anxiety.