HL Deb 26 June 1956 vol 198 cc3-4
LORD CONESFORD

My Lords, I beg to ask Her Majesty's Government the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper:

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what consultation the Minister of Housing and Local Government had with the Royal Fine Art Commission, and what advice he received from them, before he granted permission for the erection of the proposed tower in Battersea Park.]

THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (THE EARL OF MUNSTER)

My Lords, the Royal Fine Art Commission opposed the proposal on the grounds that any extension of commercial developments, particularly in the form of an illuminated tower, near the river bank, would seriously damage the amenities of the Park and this stretch of the river.

LORD CONESFORD

My Lords, is my noble friend aware that the waterfront at Battersea Park and the uninterrupted simplicity of the green lawns and trees along the Thames made Battersea Park one of the most beautiful in Europe? Is he further aware that, if the present miserable clutter of buildings, kiosks, railings and car parks were removed, it could again be beautiful? In these circumstances, was it right to treat the considered advice of the Royal Fine Art Commission with such contempt? Finally, may I ask my noble friend whether he will arrange that the correspondence that passed between the Royal Fine Art Commission and the Ministry shall be published in the OFFICIAL REPORT, in order that the public may judge how far the Royal Fine Art Commission tried to save London from this outrage?

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

My Lords, in reply to my noble friend's first question, about the waterfront, that is, of course, a matter of opinion. With regard to the Royal Fine Art Commission, their approval was sought to these proposals and was not obtained. Nevertheless, a public inquiry was held at which the London County Council and the Battersea Borough Council approved the proposition, while the Chelsea Borough Council opposed it. With regard to the correspondence, there is one letter from the Secretary of the Royal Fine Art Commission and I am perfectly prepared to send a copy to my noble friend.

LORD CONESFORD

Would it not be more satisfactory if the full correspondence could be published in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

I will certainly convey that view to my right honourable friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government.