HC Deb 10 February 1970 vol 795 cc1056-7
6. Mr. Hordern

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will now hold a public inquiry into the proposals for Richmond Terrace.

9. Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will set up a public inquiry into the proposed redevelopment of Whitehall which involves the destruction of Scotland Yard and Richmond Terrace.

Mr. John Silkin

I am considering public reaction to the proposals for this site, which have recently been exhibited, and it is hoped to make a further announcement to the House very shortly.

Mr. Hordern

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether any cost-benefit or other analysis has been made of the proposals to house 4,000 civil servants on the site of Richmond Terrace, and will he commission an independent inquiry to look into those proposals and report separately?

Mr. Silkin

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the whole question has been gone into thoroughly, and it will not be very long before I am in a position to make a further announcement. In view of that, I hope that he will not press me too hard at this moment.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

Is the Minister prepared to say whether he is considering a planning inquiry commission as set out in the 1966 Act?

Mr. Silkin

It is a later Act than that. I think that it is the Housing Act, 1968. However, I do not think that it would help if I were to answer that question today.

Mr. Lipton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that much of Richmond Terrace is now slum property and represents a disgraceful waste of valuable space in the heart of the Commonwealth? Will he take steps to pull down the place as soon as possible?

Mr. Silkin

That rather shows the difficulties for a Minister who wishes to make a decision of this sort. There are so many conflicting views upon it.