Foreign Office Building

HC Deb 01 August 1966 vol 733 c15

20. Captain Orr

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what will be the effect of the present economic policies on his plans for the Foreign Office building.

Mr. Prentice

As the rebuilding was not scheduled to start for several years, there is no foreseeable effect.

Captain Orr

None the less, would it not be useful now to announce the abandonment of this scheme in order to assist the general climate? Is this not a pill which the British public will be only too happy to swallow?

Mr. Prentice

The original scheme was accepted by the last Government for reasons which they thought fit and the decision has been repeated by the present Goverment. I think that the hon. Gentleman will be aware of the reasons given. Those reasons are still valid.