HC Deb 16 July 1963 vol 681 cc324-5
32. Mr. Goodhew

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what was the total cost of the reinstatement of the side of Apsley House following demolition of adjoining buildings; and what proposals he has for reinstating the exposed side of buildings on the other side of the new roadway.

Mr. Sharples

The cost of reinstating the side of Apsley House is expected to be about£57,000. Of this,£35,000 is for facing the east wall with Bath stone and the balance is for associated works. We are not responsible for the buildings on the other side of the new roadway.

Mr. Goodhew

Since the Gowers Committee said in its Report that the surroundings of historic buildings are just as important as the buildings themselves, ought not something to be done about this building in any event?

Mr. Sharples

We have done the restorations at Apsley House on behalf of the London County Council. The buildings on the other side of the roadway are the responsibility of the Crown Estate Commission, which we understand, has in hand the question of reinstating the exposed side of these buildings.