§ 2.57 p.m.
The Earl of SELKIRKMy Lords, beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
1362 The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to make the building of the Department of the Environment worthy of its name.
§ Baroness STEDMANMy Lords, work is in hand to provide climbing plants to cover the unsightly concrete walls at the rear of the building.
The Earl of SELKIRKMy Lords, that is a very satisfactory beginning, but perhaps it will not end there. Does the noble Baroness recognise that no self-respecting estate agent in London would tolerate a building to look like this. Can we not get on with some cosmetics which are a little faster than climbing plants?
§ Baroness STEDMANMy Lords, we are still in days of financial stringency. I would remind the noble Earl that in 1972 we put forward a major scheme, which was to fill in the empty floor areas and to do some landscaping. The cost at that time was estimated at £1 million, but the scheme was rejected by Westminster City Council. Since then the Council has planted some trees in the vicinity to celebrate Tree Planting Year and the Department has provided tubs and laid flower beds. The main criticisms are now about the unsightly concrete walls of the rotunda and citadel buildings, and we are trying to do something about this by planting Virginia creeper at the back, which we hope will make it look very pleasant.
§ Lord MOWBRAY and STOURTONMy Lords, is the noble Baroness aware that seven and a half years ago, when I was sitting in the noble Baroness's seat in more ways than one, my Chief Whip then asked me how my base parts could be so ugly? Is she aware, further, that Virginia creeper was exactly what was suggested at that time by some of us? Is the Minister aware that we are congratulating her very much on what has happened now?
§ Baroness STEDMANMy Lords, I am delighted to receive those congratulations, and to know that we have taken up the noble Lord's suggestion. In the meantime, my colleague and I from the Department have tried to provide this House, and the other place, with a very good service, in, we hope, an attractive manner.
The Earl of HALSBURYMy Lords, would the noble Minister acknowledge the good old wartime principle that the move from a Nissen but to a marble palace marks the end of one's creative phase?