HC Deb 14 October 1969 vol 788 cc194-5
20. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a further statement on the development of Piccadilly Circus.

Mr. Skeffington

Following the public exhibition last year, discussions have been taking place between the developers' architects, the Greater London Council and Westminster City Council with a view to the submission of an application for planning permission.

Mr. Wall

Is the Minister aware that this place is rapidly becoming a slum, instead of the hub of the Commonwealth as it should be? Can he say when we may expect actual development to start?

Mr. Skeffington

I cannot give any estimates. I agree that the delay is unfortunate. Anything that the Department can do to assist in the matter, it is doing.

Mr. Lipton

By way of making an immediate start, cannot the Minister declare the space around Eros a slum clearance area?