§ Mr. Lansburyasked the First Commissioner of Works what was the price paid by the Middlesex County Council for the Westminster House site facing Parliament Square; what is the area of the site; what was the rateable value of the premises thereon when last occupied; what steps are being taken to secure this site as an enlargement of Parliament Square; and at what cost, respectively, to the Treasury, the London County Council, and the Westminster and Middlesex councils?
§ Sir P. SassoonI understand that the amount paid for the freehold and leasehold interests in the site was £375,000; that the area of the site is about ir,11,000 square feet, and that the rateable value, prior to the demolition of Nos. 14 and 15, Great George Street, was £6,300. A proposal that a Government contribution should be made towards the cost of securing this site as an enlargement of Parliament Square was recently considered, but it was not found possible to accede to it. I have no knowledge of any undertakings by the London County Council, and the Westminster and Middlesex Councils to contribute towards the cost.