HC Deb 13 March 1951 vol 485 cc145-6W
117. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the doubt which exists as to whether the proposed new Colonial Office will harmonise with the Abbey and other nearby buildings; and if he will give Members a further opportunity of seeing the model of the proposed new building.

Mr. Stokes

I am aware of the general interest in this matter and I am arranging for a rough block model to be made showing the outlines and proportion of the revised scheme. This will be available for hon. Members' inspection in the rooms of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association on Friday next.

118. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Works from whom the Westminster Hospital site was purchased; what was the price paid by the Government; and the percentage of the site on which it is proposed to build the Colonial Office.

Mr. Stokes

The site of the old Westminster Hospital was purchased from Messrs. Laing's Properties Ltd. for£405,000. The proposed new Colonial Office will cover about half of the site.

124. Mr. Sandys

asked the Minister of Works whether he has considered the Motion standing in the names of the right hon. Member for Streatham and other hon. Members, relating to the plans for the new Colonial Office; and whether he will arrange to exhibit publicly a model of the proposed building, so that a further opportunity may be given for the expression of public opinion on the suitability of these plans.

Mr. Stokes

I have considered the Motion standing in the name of the right hon. Gentleman and other hon. Members. The proposals for the new Colonial Office have been very fully considered and discussed in this House and in another place and, as stated in my reply today to the hon. and gallant Member for Norfolk, Central (Brigadier Medlicott) I am arranging for a rough block model to be available for the inspection of hon. Members before the Easter Recess. I do not think I should be justified in delaying still further the preparation of new plans or incurring further expenditure on a detailed model for public exhibition.