§ 20. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for Air whether the designs for the various buildings of the Fylingdales early warning station have been or will be submitted for the approval of the Royal Fine Art Commission; and if he will inform the House of the Commission's opinion of them.
Mr. WardThe Royal Fine Art Commission was sent an outline of the proposed development including a description of the technical buildings. The Commission's comments did not include any observations on the buildings themselves. It was of course aware that we were discussing details with the Park Planning Committee, which is the local planning authority for the area, and the National Parks Commission. These bodies have already approved in principle our proposals for siting, layout, design and treatment of buildings.
§ Mr. DribergIs it correct, as stated by one of the right hon. Gentleman's right hon. Friends, that the main structure will consist of three enormous balls? If these balls are as large as they are reported to be going to be, is not any assurance about landscaping and all that rather superfluous and, indeed, hypocritical.
Mr. WardNo. These balls, or radomes as they are called, are large, but we have offered to paint them any colour which we are asked to paint them so that they blend in with the landscape, and we are employing a landscape consultant to advise us.
§ Mr. DribergHow large are these balls?
§ Mr. de FreitasWill these balls be painted different colours at different times of the year so that they blend in with the vegetation?
Mr. WardThat would no doubt be covered in the discussions which we are having with our professional consultant.