§ 39. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will instruct the Governors of the Bank of England not to proceed at present with the construction of their building on the Wine Street site in Bristol, pending discussion of proposals for the comprehensive development of the site.
§ Mr. BarberNo, Sir.
§ Mr. RobinsonDoes the hon. Gentleman not appreciate that the erection of this building will utterly frustrate the comprehensive development of this site which perhaps is the most important clear urban site in England? Can he not ask a publicly-owned organisation like the Bank of England to make a gesture such as this in the public interest? Is he not aware that the widespread demand for comprehensive development is important?
§ Mr. BarberI think the hon. Member will agree that this essentially is a matter for the Bank of England to deal with itself and not a matter in which it would be proper for my right hon. and learned Friend to intervene. I have made inquiries and I am informed that the plans for the building in question were prepared by a distinguished architect in full consultation with Bristol Corporation and that that corporation has given entire approval and permission for the building concerned.