HC Deb 16 July 1963 vol 681 cc311-2
9. Mr. P. Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether the Admiralty building, constructed on The Mall during the Second World War, would resist the impact of nuclear bombs; and whether he will arrange on the grounds of amenity for its early removal.

Mr. Sharples

It is expected that this building would give protection outside the immediate area of an explosion. As regards removal, I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Dagenham (Mr. Parker) on 30th April.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Does not the Minister agree that this hideous pillbox would be useless in war time and that in peace time it gravely disfigures one of the few remaining unspoiled parts of London?

Mr. Sharples

Whilst I certainly could not defend this building on aesthetic grounds, I could not agree that it would be useless in war time.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Would the hon. Gentleman look at this matter again and consider that the beauty of St. James's Park ought to rank very high as a Government priority?

Mr. Sharples

I do not disagree with that, but it would be very expensive to remove this building and we should also have to find accommodation elsewhere for the civil servants displaced.