§ 2.42 p.m.
§ LORD CONESFORDMy 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 purpose for which the Coal Exchange was demolished has been achieved.]
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD CHAMPION)My Lords, the site of the Coal Exchange was required for the route of the City's southern by-pass, which is in course of construction. Work on this particular section of the route is expected to start early in 1967.
§ LORD CONESFORDMy Lords, may I thank the noble Lord for his Answer, and, if it is in order, wish him many happy returns of the day?
§ SEVERAL NOBLE LORDS: Hear, hear!
§ LORD CONESFORDMy Lords, does the noble Lord recall that a very much earlier date was given in 1962? Does he further recall the efforts made in March of that year, both in this House and in another place, to save this unique building, described by Gropius as "a landmark in the history of early iron construction"? Is the noble Lord convinced that it is too late to prevent such vandalism in future?
§ LORD CHAMPIONMy Lords, I would thank the noble Lord for his first remark. I have now reached an age at which I should be glad if people would "tell it not in Gath", nor publish it in the columns of The Times. My Lords, we have looked at this matter and have considered it in the light of every decision that was taken regarding it. I would agree with the noble Lord that, so far as possible, we ought to avoid demolishing these buildings, although this was not exactly an ancient monument. Other buildings of a similar nature ought to be preserved, if possible, for posterity. But, of course, this building has been demolished, and there is nothing we can now do about it.
§ LORD CONESFORDMy Lords, may I say that the noble Lord is wrong in 680 thinking that there is now any other building of this kind? The only other comparable building was the Crystal Palace. Something unique in Europe has been destroyed. My question to him is whether the Government are now better armed to prevent such vandalism in future.
§ LORD CHAMPIONMy Lords, I rather hope so, but offhand I should not like to answer the question whether they are better armed. I believe I can say that we have the will to do it, and that we will look to the arms when necessary.
§ LORD CARRINGTONBut, my Lords, is the noble Lord aware that his noble friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing said in a speech over the week-end, I think it was, that 3,000 buildings scheduled as ancient monuments were being pulled down every year?
§ LORD CHAMPIONMy Lords, I should like notice of that question. I did not make the remark; it was made by my noble friend, and I will inquire of him exactly what he said.