HC Deb 22 April 1969 vol 782 cc248-9
30. Mr. McNamara

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what improvements he proposes to make to the floodlighting in Trafalgar Square.

Mr. Mellish

A more modern and comprehensive scheme of floodlighting has been installed in the Square which it will be my pleasure to inaugurate this evening. I believe it will make a dramatic impact on the Square. The scheme has been designed by the Society of Illuminating Engineers and will mark the Jubilee Year of the Society. I am most grateful to it for its contribution and for the ready co-operation of the High Commissioner for Canada, the Ambassador for South Africa and the Vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields.

Mr. MacNamara

Is my right hon. Friend aware that he has earned the congratulations of the whole House for the immense step forward in lighting the capital city, and is he also aware that the work of his Ministry is a credit to him and to the Government? Can he say what support he gets from local authorities and private interests with a view to finding some of the necessary capital?

Mr. Mellish

I am obliged for my hon. Friend's earlier remarks. I think that most people will agree that a good effort has been made in cleaning up and improving Whitehall. I think that we have done a good job, and I think that most people will agree with me. I have had consultations with the Lord Mayor of Westminster, who has readily agreed to try to get the co-operation and good will of private individuals, and I am meeting a number of very important business people to ask them if they will clean their buildings, too.

Mr. Peyton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the whole House congratulates him on the excellent job which has been done in cleaning up the exterior of Whitehall? What is now needed is a start on the interior.

Mr. Mellish

Having been a Member of this House for 22 years, I can only say to the hon. Gentleman that it is better than it ever was under his party's rule.