HL Deb 15 July 1963 vol 252 cc1-3

2.35 p.m.

THE DUKE OF ATHOLL

My 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 the Royal Fine Art Commission were consulted about the two houses nearing completion to the west of Gloucester Gate, Regent's Park, and if so what was their advice.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (EARL JELLICOE)

My Lords, My right honourable friend the Minister of Public Building and Works did not consult the Royal Fine Art Commission about these two small houses. He normally asks them for their advice only on major new buildings in the Royal Parks.

THE DUKE OF ATHOLL

My Lords, while thanking my noble friend for the trouble he has undoubtedly taken to find out about these two houses, may I ask him whether he considers that they are entirely suitable for this particular place, and also whether, under the new London Government Bill, where Royal Parks are a special planning area, the Royal Fine Art Commission will be consulted on buildings, both large and small, in the vicinity of the Royal Parks?

EARL JELLICOE

My Lords, I think that I should be right in saying that opinion is probably divided as to the suitability of these particular small houses in this particular place, but two houses of similar design have been in position for some time near Orme Square Gate and I gather that they have been well received in the technical and architectural Press. I think that the noble Duke's second supplementary goes a little beyond the scope of his original Question, and that I should require notice before "chancing my arm".

LORD AMULREE

My Lords, does the noble Earl mean that it is possible for the Grown Estate Commissioners, or whoever is responsible for these two not very attractive buildings, just to put up buildings in the Park wherever they think fit, and without consulting anybody about whether it is a suitable place or a suitable building for the Royal Parks? Does nobody, apart from the Crown Estate Commissioners, control what is put up in the Royal Parks?

EARL JELLICOE

My Lords, I think that in fact my right honourable friend has considerable discretion in this matter. Whether or not it is right that he should have is, I think, another matter. I would refer the noble Lord to my original reply, in which I said that for major buildings in the Royal Parks, the Royal Fine Art Commission are consulted.

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