§ Mr. Proudfootasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in connection with the redevelopment of the Bridge Street site, he has reached a decision about the future location of the Metropolitan Police headquarters.
§ Mr. BrookeYes. It has become clear beyond all doubt that a satisfactory and fully efficient headquarters for the Metropolitan Police cannot be provided on the present site. I have accordingly authorised the Receiver for the Metropolitan Police District to enter into a lease for a new building about to be constructed on the site between Victoria Street, Broadway and Dacre Street. I am satisfied that this will provide modern and efficient accommodation for the offices of both the Commissioner and the Receiver, which have regrettably had to be separated since 1961, when, as a temporary measure to alleviate serious overcrowding at New Scotland Yard, the Receiver's office was moved across the river to the Albert Embankment.
It is intended to provide accommodation for Cannon Row police station on or near its present site. Subject to this, the Receiver will sell to the Minister of Public Building and Works the existing police premises, which will thus become available for Government Departments at present occupying rented accommodation elsewhere. The new building in Broadway is expected to be ready for occupation by 1966, and I intend that the police, when they move into it, shall take the traditional name of New Scotland Yard with them.