LORD FARINGDONMy Lords, I beg leave 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 it is a fact that the British Transport Commission has served on the planning authority (the London County Council) a notice of intention to demolish the Doric Arch and the Great and Shareholders' Halls at Euston Station which is a listed building; and whether they have any statement to make.]
§ THE EARL OF DUNDEEYes, my Lords. Formal notice was given to the London County Council on February 17 of intention to demolish these listed buildings. I understand that the Council are obtaining independent advice on the need to demolish the Great Hall and adjoining Shareholders' Room, and the British Transport Commission are co-operating in this inquiry. The Council are also exploring the possibility of re-erecting the Doric Arch on a new site. My right honourable friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government is keeping in touch with developments.
LORD FARINGDONMy Lords, I thank the noble Earl for that very full reply. May I ask him whether, in view of the considerable anxiety which has been raised in interested circles, he will impress upon the British Transport Commission the undesirability of destroying what is in fact our only handsome station in London, and whether Her Majesty's Government will, if necessary, be prepared to find, or help to find, the necessary funds to preserve these architectural monuments?
§ THE EARL OF DUNDEEMy Lords, I am sure the British Transport Commission are aware of these considerations, and I think it is clear that they are not proposing to proceed with this work until the inquiry has been concluded. With regard to the possible financing of re-erecting the Arch, or preventing anything from being pulled down, I think I should have to ask the noble Lord to put down another Question about that.