HC Deb 04 November 1958 vol 594 cc774-5
56. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Works what progress has taken place in the acquisition of the Hampton site for the extension of the National Gallery.

Mr. Molson

The Canadian Government have reconsidered the decision to build offices as an extension of Canada House on the site between the National Gallery and Whitcomb Street. Her Majesty's Government are convinced that in due course the National Gallery will have to be extended and this site would be useful when that is done. They also feel it to be undesirable that normal commercial development should take place on this site which is so vital to the preservation of the character of the National Gallery and of Trafalgar Square. They therefore decided that they would try to buy it and my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer agreed to the necessary provision as part of his policy for supporting the Arts.

The Canadian Government have made a most generous response. They have offered to sell their interest in the site to the British Government for the purposes I have indicated at the cost which they have incurred in connection with the site. This has not been exactly calculated, but is likely to be about £1m. An estimate will be presented in due course. I am sure the whole House will associate itself with the Government in thanking the Canadian Government for their interest in the future of the National Gallery and of Trafalgar Square and for their generous co-operation.

Mr. Parker

I am sure the whole House will thank the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Minister of Works for the action taken in this matter. I should like to say on behalf of all hon. Members that we thank the Canadian Government for their action.

Mr. Robert Cooke

While thanking my right hon. Friend for the encouraging nature of his reply, may I ask if he can inform the House when extensions to the National Gallery are likely to take place and what is at present being done to improve the National Gallery?

Mr. Molson

We have at present two extensive programmes. One is a programme of reconstruction as a result of war damage. It is likely to involve about £300,000 and will take a number of years. At the same time we are extending the air conditioning, at a cost of about £400,000, and that again will take a considerable time. I am therefore not able to forecast when there will be any extension, as we have these two large programmes to be completed before there is any question of enlarging the Gallery.