HC Deb 12 May 1959 vol 605 cc1021-2
5. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Works 'what consultations he has had or proposes to have with the City of Stoke-on-Trent and British Railways about the proposed Government buildings on the Station Road site, Stoke-on-Trent; and to what extent it is intended to clear the whole site from the railway lines, lay it out in harmony with the turf layout by the city council and construct all new buildings for the Post Office in association with British Railways in accordance with modern architecture.

Mr. Molson

The local planning authority, which is already aware of the proposal to develop the Station Road site for the Post Office, will be consulted about the form of the development. British Railways, who are selling the site to the Post Office, will also he consulted so far as their interests may be affected. The site being acquired by the Post Office does not adjoin the railway lines, and the Ministry will not therefore be concerned with the general development of the area between the Post Office's site and the railway. The buildings erected on this site will be of modern design.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Will the Minister note that the city will very much appreciate his reply? Can he assure the House that he has had the maximum cooperation from all interests in providing what is proposed at this site?

Mr. Molson

I think that there has been general co-operation by all concerned.

6. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Works if he will give the date when the completion of the new central post office in the City of Stoke-on-Trent is desired; when tenders will be invited for the building construction off Station Road, Stoke; on what date the successful contractor is expected to start work; and to what extent the contract for the building and equipment will be open to all for competitive tender.

Mr. Molson

It is hoped that tenders may be invited during 1961, work started three or four months later, and the scheme completed two years after that. The contract for the building work will be put out to competitive tender among selected firms.

Mr. Ellis Smith

That is good as far as it goes, but is the Minister aware that there is a large amount of demolition work to take place and that there is also a huge pond full of water? If these dates are to be worked to, should not that demolition work and the clearing of the water be taking place now? Will the Minister give an undertaking that this work will be let out to competitive tender?

Mr. Molson

Yes, it will be let out to competitive tender, but to selected firms.

Mr. Ellis Smith

There are many workers unemployed locally in the building industry. Will that point also be taken into consideration when this work is being carried out?

Mr. Molson

When this work is undertaken it will obviously give employment to a number of workmen in the building industry.