HL Deb 15 July 1965 vol 268 cc247-8

3.15 p.m.

LORD BARNBY

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, in view of the substantial reconditioning and extension of Bradford Cathedral and of the massive reconstruction of the central area of the city, they can now give a definite date for the intended removal of the Post Office building which now gives such offence to the amenity and prospect of the area.]

LORD HOBSON

My Lords, discussions with the local authority are still taking place, and it is too early to report their outcome.

LORD BARNBY

My Lords, in view of the fact that this matter has been under consideration for thirty years, or longer, can the Minister confirm that the local authority have offered alternative suitable sites? And in view of the tremendous demolition that is taking place over the whole city, is this not a moment when an announcement on this disfigurement could be made?

LORD HOBSON

My Lords, I know this site well, and let me assure the noble Lord that there is no delay whatever on the part of the Post Office in this matter. But he will appreciate that it needs two sides to come to an agreement; and the question of price is involved.

LORD BARNBY

My Lords, how can the noble Lord say that there is no delay? This matter was under discussion some forty years ago, when I was in another place, and it has been discussed ever since. Surely that seems to be delay?

LORD HOBSON

My Lords, I have been into this matter very thoroughly, because I was intrigued to find that this Question concerned Bradford. I have made lengthy inquiries, and the noble Lord will find out himself, if he makes inquiry from the Corporation of Bradford, that the delay in this matter is not attributable to the Post Office. The matter has been further complicated by the death of the previous Borough Engineer.

LORD BARNBY

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his full reply. This matter is important to the City of Bradford. Am I right in understanding that it is the Corporation who are causing the delay, and not the Post Office?

LORD HOBSON

My Lords, it is a question of agreement on terms, and agreement on terms has not yet been reached.

Loup BARNBY

My Lords, will it take another thirty years?

LORD HOBSON

I hope not.