§ 24. Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the external appearance of the married quarters in Wyke Regis; whether the architect employed 406 was in private practice; whether he will ensure that no further quarters of this appearance are built in Dorset; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Paul Channon)These 60 married quarters were designed specifically for this site by the former Ministry of Public Building and Works in concert with a firm of consultant architects. We do not intend to use this particular design for any other site.
§ Mr. KingIs my hon. Friend aware that four Dorset councillors, without, I am sure, wishing to be impolite—Dorset councillors are never impolite—described the buildings in succession as barns, monstrosities, chicken coops and cow sheds? Here, too, is a point of principle. Is there any reason why public authorities should receive exemption from æsthetic standards which are imposed on private authorities? Is there any evidence that their taste is any better?
§ Mr. ChannonNo, Sir. In fact, they are not exempted. They have to go through precisely the same procedures, under the circular issued by my right hon. Friend. I must point out that these were buildings started in 1967, so it is not my fault. The planning committee of Weymouth Council accepted the scheme in August, 1968.
§ Mr. Robert CookeHas my hon. Friend seen the report in the Dorset Evening Echo that the borough engineer of Weymouth said that these houses were built on Government land without planning permission?
§ Mr. ChannonAs the planning authorities expressed themselves content in August, 1968, I must disagree with Mr. Houseago.