HL Deb 18 November 1971 vol 325 cc747-8
LORD AVEBURY

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 on what date the report of the Whitehall Public Inquiry was submitted, whether it is proposed to publish the evidence and recommendations, and whether they will make a Statement.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT (LORD SANDFORD)

My Lords, the report was submitted on November 30, 1970, to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, who intends to publish it and make a Statement when a decision has been reached. The report contains a summary of the evidence submitted, as well as the recommendations of the inspector.

LORD AVEBURY

My Lords, is it not rather extraordinary that this report, which was submitted a year ago, has not yet been published? Does not the noble Lord consider that if satisfactory harmonisation is to occur between the new Parliamentary building in Bridge Street and whatever is to go on the site of the Richmond Terrace and Norman Shaw buildings, the architects must be given this information at the earliest possible opportunity?

LORD SANDFORD

My Lords, there are a number of factors to be considered in this case and I have nothing to add to my original Answer.

LORD BYERS

My Lords, will the noble Lord not tell the House a little more about the reason for this delay of nearly a year, from November 30 last year until now?

LORD SANDFORD

My Lords, not at this stage.

LORD BYERS

My Lords. will the noble Lord tell us when he will be able to tell us?

LORD SANDFORD

My Lords, when the decision has been reached.

LORD SHEPEHRD

My Lords, can the noble Lord give us the reason why he cannot give us an explanation this afternoon?

LORD SANDFORD

My Lords, not at this stage.

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, in the light of the noble Lord's attitude—one, I think, quite without respect to the interests of the House in this matter—we shall have to find an opportunity of raising the matter again at a very early stage.