HL Deb 27 July 1955 vol 193 cc1071-2

2.37 p.m.

VISCOUNT FALMOUTH

My 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 are now in a position to make known their decision on the outstanding matters in relation to the expansion of the Imperial College, on which they stated in this House on 7th December last that they hoped to reach an early decision.]

THE PAYMASTER GENERAL (THE EARL. OF SELKIRK)

My Lords, as the noble Lord will be aware from the recent statement made by my right honourable friend the Financial Secretary, the intended expansion of the Imperial College has run into certain legal difficulties which had not been originally appreciated, and for this reason it may be necessary to introduce enabling legislation after the Recess.

VISCOUNT FALMOUTH

My Lords, I am sure the noble Earl will realise the extremely difficult position in which those responsible for the College are placed by the inability of the Government to make a decision. I sincerely hope that this decision will be given shortly to the College to enable them to get on with the detailed planning of the site.

THE EARL OF SELKIRK

My Lords, I assure the noble Viscount that the Government are just as anxious as the Governors to come to a decision about this matter, but I am sure he will agree that, when one is dealing with a £15 million project, that is not the occasion on which to reach a "snap" decision. A decision has to be reached with full knowledge of the circumstances. But, as I have said, the Government are just as anxious as the College to get on with this particular matter.

VISCOUNT HUDSON

My Lords, may I ask whether the impending legislation will, in particular, include power to pull down the Imperial Institute, in order to make room for the new Imperial Institute and for the extension of the College?

THE EARL OF SELKIRK

I am sorry, but at this stage it is not even certain that legislation will be necessary. It is certainly not possible for me to say what will be in the legislation.

VISCOUNT HUDSON

No, but will the noble Earl take steps to make sure that it does include such powers, which are absolutely vital if we are to have a satisfactory building on that site?

THE EARL OF SELKIRK

I will certainly bear in mind what the noble Viscount says and see that my right honourable friend knows that point.