§ 14. Mr. Hamlingasked 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. PannellI intend to look at the hon. Gentleman's suggestion.
§ Mr. HamlingIs 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 1101 look at this most carefully to ensure that our future development programmes are not inhibited in the same way?
§ Mrs. Renée ShortLike Cromwell, knock the ruins about a bit?
§ Mr. PannellWell, 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. RamsdenWill 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. PannellDoes 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.