HC Deb 07 May 1963 vol 677 cc218-9
25. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will give a list of the persons whose initials are inscribed on the rainwater heads in the new buildings in Downing Street; and who selected them.

Mr. Rippon

I will with permission circulate the list in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The selection was made by the architect, Mr. Raymond Erith.

Mr. Lipton

One appreciates the desire of those concerned to escape oblivion at all costs. Does the Minister realise that if Government buildings are to be cluttered up with the initials of all their transitory occupants, it will certainly mar the face of London?

Mr. Rippon

I do not know about "transitory occupants". I thought that perhaps the hon. Gentleman felt that to have initials in lead was a symbol of permanence.

Mr. Barnett

May I ask whether the Minister would make some slight alteration in the inscription on these rainwater heads to record the fact that today has been announced the advent of the first Labour-controlled council in Portland?

Hon. Members

Answer.

Following is the list:

No. 10.

No. 11.

S. L.—Rt. Hon. Selwyn Lloyd, C.B.E., T.D., Q.C., M.P.

No. 12.