§ 2.40 p.m.
§ LORD MOTTISTONEMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any observations to make concerning the future of Carlton House Terrace.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (THE EARL OF MUNSTERMy Lords, it will be remembered that this subject was raised in your Lordships' House on March 6, 1951. The House was then informed that the previous Government were satisfied that the present premises of the Foreign Office were inadequate and would have to be replaced. They were also satisfied that Carlton House Terrace, reconstructed behind the present elevations facing the Mall and the Duke of York's Steps, would be a very suitable site for this purpose. Having regard to the need to curtail Government expenditure in the present economic situation Her Majesty's Government think it unlikely that work can start for some years.
§ LORD MOTTISTONEMy Lords, in thanking the noble Earl for his reply, I should like to ask this supplementary 389 question. Are Her Majesty's Government in favour of preserving, without material alteration, the facades of Carlton House Terrace facing the Mall, which are a supreme example of civic architecture?
§ THE EARL OF MUNSTERMy Lords, I have no desire to range over the whole subject of whether Carlton House Terrace should be maintained in its present form. I feel that it would be far wiser to await a final decision about the future of Carlton House Terrace, and until there is some prospect of work starting.