§ Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for the Environment why the new Public Record Office is being built in Defoe Road, Kew; what effect he estimates the new building will have on traffic congestion; and whether the location conforms with the Government's general policy on the siting of official buildings.
§ Mr. ChannonThis building needs to be readily accessible from Central London, and the Government-owned site at Kew is the most suitable one available to meet this requirement and to provide space for expansion. The location conforms with the Government's policy on the siting of offices, which acknowledges the need for some establishments to remain in London. It is not thought that the proposal will have a significant effect on traffic congestion, but my Department is studying ways in which any increase could be alleviated until long-term plans for the roads in the area can be implemented.