HC Deb 10 May 1965 vol 712 cc24-5
33. Mr. Longden

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he is yet able to lay before Parliament the plans for the redevelopment of the Whitehall area.

34. Mr. Strauss

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he proposes to publish the reports presented to him by Sir Leslie Martin and Professor Buchanan.

Mr. C. Pannell

I am now considering the reports on the Whitehall area which I recently received from Sir Leslie Martin and Professor Buchanan and will make a further statement just as soon as I can.

Mr. Longden

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. Will he ensure that not a brick is touched in this heart of the Commonwealth until this House and the public outside have had an opportunity to pronounce upon the matter? Often in the past London citizens have awakened—too late—after each fresh outrage has been perpetrated. May I refer the right hon. Gentleman to a letter in which I ventured to tender some advice to his predecessor on this subject on 17th July last?

Mr. Pannell

I have been very particular about this. I can assure the hon. Member and the House that any published document will be available to hon. Members before it is available to anyone else, but I cannot at this stage commit myself to a date. Because I say that, to all that follows from the hon. Member's apprehensions this is the best assurance I can give now.

Mr. Lipton

Does my right hon. Friend take note that there appears to be a great deal of building going on at the top end of Whitehall? What is that in aid of? Is it part of the permanent future development plan of the Whitehall area?

Mr. Pannell

I do not think that arises from this Question, but perhaps we are not thinking of the same building.