HL Deb 26 October 1967 vol 285 cc1771-3

3.40 p.m.

LORD BROCK

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the second 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 great need for London to possess an international congress centre capable of providing accommodation for up to 5,000 participants, they would consider the use of the St. Pancras station site for this purpose.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (LORD KENNET)

My Lords, the Government would in principle welcome the building of a large, new, purpose-built conference centre, but there would be very serious objection to any scheme at St. Pancras which involved demolishing the station hotel building or the train shed. Alternative uses for these buildings are now being studied by a working party representing British Railways and the local planning authorities.

LORD BROCK

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his Answer, and I am glad to hear that Her Majesty's Government are constantly alert to the need for founding such a congress centre.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether it would not be possible to use the hotel accommodation and the railway administration accommodation for international constructive organisations involved in such activity? And would it not be possible to preserve the magnificent archway over St. Pancras station as a great congress hall which might be divided up and might also be used for athletics and the training of athletes for international competition?

LORD KENNET

My Lords, the use of the train shed for a sports arena is among the possibilities under study. If any internationally useful organisation would be interested in taking the whole or part of St. Pancras Hotel for a conference centre I hope the noble Lord will ask them to get in touch with me or the Greater London Council or the Camden Borough Council.

LORD ILFORD

My Lords, may I ask the Minister whether it is the opinion of Her Majesty's Government that these large-scale conferences should be encouraged to come to London, with its limited hotel accommodation and congested traffic? Is it not much better to encourage them to go to those towns where the accommodation can conveniently be made available?

LORD KENNET

My Lords, that is rather a separate question and one which raises conflicting considerations on both sides.

LORD INGLEWOOD

My Lords, may I ask the noble Lord what is wrong with using St. Pancras at a terminus for an improved railway service to the Midlands?

LORD KENNET

My Lords, I understand that British Railways are convinced that they can provide a better service by closing St. Pancras and concentrating the traffic at King's Cross.