§ 2.35 p.m.
§ LORD BOSSOMMy 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 any gain or benefit to the community is created when such bodies as the Crown Estate Commissioners destroy or allow to be destroyed perfectly satisfactory buildings of some architectural or historical merit, even when they form an effective part of a larger architectural grouping, and permit these to be replaced by far less attractive structures which in time inevitably become a magnet for many road vehicles in the already overcrowded traffic arteries in their neighbourhood.]
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (THE EARL OF DUNDEE)My Lords, the replacement of some of our older buildings is inevitable as part of the redevelopment of central areas. While there may sometimes be room for argument about the appearance of the new buildings which replace them —for on these matters people can hold widely different views—the machinery of the Planning Acts provides for consideration to be given to the design and external appearance of the proposed new buildings at the plan stage, and to the provision of adequate car-parking facilities. In appropriate cases there is consultation with the Royal Fine Art Commission.
§ LORD BOSSOMMy Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that Answer, may I ask whether he does not feel that it would be much more desir- 746 able that the Government should make a recommendation to the Crown Commissioners to set an example to other people and thereby preserve the good things we have had in the past? In this case I have to declare that at one time I had an interest in this matter, for the Crown Commissioners decided to pull down my own home; but I have no longer that interest because I have left that property altogether.
§ THE EARL OF DUNDEEMy Lords, buildings in which the Crown (including Government Departments) has an interest are not listed, but if such a building has such merit that it would be listed but for the Crown interest the Government Department concerned are informed and their co-operation requested in securing preservation of the architectural or historic features of the building. If works were proposed that would normally be notifiable under Section 30, the Minister of Housing and Local Government would expect to be consulted. The Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, contains no provision for contributions from public funds towards the cost of preservation, but steps are taken to consult the Royal Fine Art Commission about the matter and about any new buildings which may replace the old ones.
§ LORD CONESFORDMy Lords, may ask my noble friend two questions? He will have noticed that the importance of Carlton Gardens is recognised in paragraph 49 of the current Report of the Royal Fine Art Commission. In view of what they say, can my noble friend assure the House that the approval of the Royal Fine Art Commission will be sought for any development proposed in Carlton Gardens? Secondly, is it really Government policy to replace residential by office building in this area in order to increase the number of those who have to travel into and out of London daily?
§ THE EARL OF DUNDEEMy Lords, in reply to the first question, the Royal Fine Art Commission will be consulted about the architecture and scale of this new building. My noble friend's other question raises matters which I think might be more the concern of the local authority than of the Government, and the question of whether or not we want 747 more offices in London is a much wider one than that which arises out of the Question on the Paper.
§ LORD BOSSOMMy Lords, may I inquire of my noble friend whether he is aware that many ambassadors of art, if they could rent this property, would thereby keep it in good condition and make it equally paying to the Government? May I also point out that similar provision which took place for Eaton Square has been done with great satisfaction and great benefit to the community without destroying the good-looking appearance of that part of London?
§ THE EARL OF DUNDEEMy Lords, I will certainly represent that to my right honourable friend. I was not aware that offers of that nature had been received or considered.