HC Deb 28 July 1971 vol 822 cc571-2
37. Mr. David Watkins

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations have been made to him by the Royal Fine Art Commission on the design of the Government offices now being built at Stanley, County Durham.

Mr. Amery

None, Sir.

Mr. Watkins

Is that because they have been rendered speechless by the sheer ugliness of the building? It is a concrete box to end all concrete boxes. Is it not thoroughly depressing that the first building taking shape in what is to be a rebuilt town centre should be so singularly unattractive?

Mr. Amery

I am advised that it is a characteristic example of what might be called the Mellish-Silkin period. [Laughter.] I hasten to assure the hon. Gentleman that as it has not been completed it has not yet been listed for preservation.

Mr. John Silkin

Is not beauty in the eye of the beholder?

Mr. Amery

; And, no doubt, in the eye of the creator.