§ 10. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware 754 of the proposed demolition of the Coal Exchange in the City of London; and if, in view of the historical interest and importance of this building, he will secure its preservation.
§ Sir K. JosephMy right hon. Friend is aware of the proposal and of the considerable architectural interest of the internal iron structure of the building. Unfortunately, the building stands in the way of a vital road improvement and he has come to the conclusion that he would not be justified in insisting upon its retention on the present site.
§ Mr. DribergWill the hon. Gentleman compare that Answer with the one that he gave to Question No. 9? Will he say what the "positive reasons for … demolition" are that outweigh the value and interest of this building—bearing in mind that the Georgian Group and other experts have expressed the view that it would be quite easy to remove a small part of Custom House without doing any damage, and thus ensure the vital road development that he mentions?
§ Sir K. JosephThis is a difficult conflict of public interests. A road here—and I am told that it is a most vital road—must interfere either with an absolutely outstanding building—Custom House—on one side, or with a less outstanding building—a considerably less outstanding building—on the other side. I really feel that, despite all our interest in preserving this building, it cannot take priority over this very important road.
§ Mr. DribergOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment. And may I ask for your help, Mr. Speaker? As this matter is of some urgency, could I ask the Minister for, as it were, a stay of execution pending a debate in this House?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat might sound dangerously like a further question, but let us hear what the Minister says.
§ Sir K. JosephPerhaps I can help the hon. Member by saying that I am not aware of any urgency in this case.