HL Deb 25 June 1964 vol 259 cc314-5

3.8 p.m.

LORD REA

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, in view of the rebuilding and replanning, proposed in the Whitehall area, whether the opportunity is being taken to examine as a whole the allocation of accommodation to the different Government Departments, on the basis of which Departments or sections of Departments need to be in close proximity to Downing Street and which could be moved further away, in order that the planning advisers appointed the Government shall be given the greatest possible facility to make useful long-term recommendations.]

THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE FOR THE ROYAL NAVY (EARL JELLICOE)

Yes, my Lords. A study is being made of the allocation of accommodation in the Whitehall area having regard to the considerations which the noble Lord mentions, and indeed other factors. All possible information on these matters is being made available to the Government's consultant on the planning of the Whitehall area whom my right honourable friend the Minister of Public Building and Works has recently appointed.

LORD REA

My Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Earl. I am sure he will know that that Answer will give great satisfaction in many quarters.

LORD SILKIN

My Lords, can we be assured that before any final decisions are made the House will be informed of what they are, so that we may make intelligent comments on them?

EARL JELLICOE

My Lords, I think my right honourable friend has already given assurances in another place, or in a Press issue, that before he puts into effect any of the major proposals recommended to him by Sir Leslie Martin, the consultant concerned, he will bring them to the attention of Parliament.