§ 3.5 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there is any truth in the rumour that secret plans are being made to pull down, or alter, or expand, those historic buildings, No. 10 and No. 11 Downing Street.]
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD MANCROFT)My Lords, a survey of the structure of Nos. 10 and 11 and also of No. 12, Downing Street carried out by the Ministry of Works in 1954 gave rise to some concern for the stability of these houses. There has been irregular settlement owing to the poor sub-soil and decay of the timber supports of the foundations. There have at times also been dry rot and beetle in the floors and roofs. There is no danger of collapse in the next few years, but it is clear that fairly extensive remedial measures will have to be undertaken, and my right honourable friend the Minister of Works has given some preliminary thought to the planning of these measures.
On a matter of such magnitude and public interest my right honourable friend the Prime Minister has thought it right to take advice from persons independent of the Government before authorising a start on the work. He is, therefore, appointing a committee under the Chairmanship of the noble Earl, Lord Crawford and Balcarres, with the following terms of reference:
To consider the report of the Ministry of Works on the present condition of Nos. 10, 11 and 12 Downing Street and the proposals for reconstruction; to make such inquiries as appear to them necessary; and to report to the Prime Minister what action they recommend should be taken to preserve these historic buildings and to make them suitable for their present purposes.
VISCOUNT ESHERMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord for the unexpectedly satisfactory reply that he has given.