HC Deb 05 July 1965 vol 715 cc1100-1
14. Mr. Hamling

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what proposals have been made to his Department for the preservation of buildings of historical interest in the Royal Ordnance Factory, Woolwich.

Mr. C. Pannell

I intend to look at the hon. Gentleman's suggestion.

Mr. Hamling

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the past Woolwich Borough Council has had its housing programmes severely interfered with by undue consideration for buildings of so-called historic interest, and in this case will he look at this most carefully to ensure that our future development programmes are not inhibited in the same way?

Mrs. Renée Short

Like Cromwell, knock the ruins about a bit?

Mr. Pannell

Well, as I said earlier, I am prepared to look at all these things. There has sometimes to be a balanced view as between one thing and another. The hon. Member, representing his constituency, presumably has responsibility for its past as well as its future, and he can, perhaps, come along and tell me all about it.

Mr. Ramsden

Will the Minister undertake to look in particular at the factory at Woolwich which, I believe, was built by Vanbrugh and must be a unique example of its sort, and also some of the clocks and bell towers which may be demolished but which could be re-erected, preferably on other estates connected with defence?—

Mr. Pannell

Does the right hon. Gentleman want to come as well. I think that, with the exception of my hon. Friend, I live closer to Woolwich Arsenal than any other Member of the House, and I would certainly be prepared to take all these matters into consideration. I am giving a fresh view to the subject.

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