§ 20. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he has considered the plans submitted to him by the London County Council for the building of an art gallery, a conference hall and improvements to the Festival Hall; and whether he will make arrangements for a model to be exhibited in the Palace of Westminster as soon as possible.
§ Mr. BrookeI understand that the Council itself is still considering these plans; when they are ready I have no doubt that it would be willing to have a model shown, as suggested.
§ Dr. StrossWhilst thanking the Minister for his reply, and assuming that he will certainly bring such a model to the House for all of us to examine, may I ask whether he is aware that these imaginative proposals by the London County Council will give one of the most significant cultural centres in the world to London, on the South Bank, but that it cannot be properly complete unless his colleague the Chancellor of the Exchequer allows the National Theatre to be built on the site? Could the Minister, who knows his colleague very well, use his influence to see that this scheme is not spoilt?
§ Mr. BrookeI suspected that there was some ulterior motive in the Question. All I can say is that, if I can, I will secure the exhibition of a model.