42. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Works if, when choosing a design for the Hampton site next to the National Gallery, he will select one in general harmony with the existing building.
§ The Minister of Works (Mr. Hugh Molson)The design of a building on this site must clearly respect its surroundings.
Mr. Gresham CookeI thank my right hon. Friend for that reply, which I did not quite hear. Is he aware that most people would think it a deplorable blight on London if the Sunday Times winning design were chosen, and that most people think that something more in harmony with the present National Gallery should be accepted? Possibly something with strong vertical lines would be the answer for that site.
§ Mr. MolsonThere is no intention of adopting any of those designs for a building there at present, but that competition has undoubtedly elicited many interesting suggestions, which will be taken into account.
§ Mr. StraussDoes the Minister agree that while there might be a case for having a modern building there, the worst possible solution would be a design which tried to effect a bastard compromise between the classical style and the modern idiom?
§ Mr. MolsonThere is a great deal in what the right hon. Gentleman has said. At present, my Department is in consultation with the National Gallery and the 1110 National Portrait Gallery to see in what way the whole site can most satisfactorily be redeveloped.