HC Deb 13 December 1960 vol 632 c214
51. Mr. Tilney

asked the Minister of Works what has been the cost of the new residence in Lagos recently built for the United Kingdom High Commissioner to the Federation of Nigeria.

Mr. R. Thompson

Work is not quite finished, but the present estimated cost of the residence, together with the servants' quarters, and garden works, but excluding furnishing, is £110,000. The Nigerian Government most generously contributed £40,000 towards this sum, as well as the magnificent site on which the residence has been built.

Mr. Tilney

Has my hon. Friend seen this building, which compares very unfavourably with the charming, modern buildings at Lagos, many of which were put up by the Nigerian Public Works Department? Is he aware that this building looks like a rather badly designed corporation bath house?

Mr. Thompson

Although I have not seen the building, I do not accept the implications of my hon. Friend's question. All these questions of design, as my hon. Friend will realise, are matters of taste and judgment about which there is always likely to be controversy. If we try to avoid it, we shall finish up with some very dull buildings.