§ Sir B. Rhys Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress he has made in his negotiations with the Russian 677W Government over their plans for their proposed new embassy buildings in Kensington; and if he will now publish a statement making clear the nature of the plans drawn up by the Russian architect in charge of the project.
§ Mr. TomlinsonI have nothing to add at present to what I said on 11th November 1977 when I referred the hon. Member to the Adjournment debate on 20th and 21st July 1976. Since my last reply, no further discussions of substance have taken place between Her Majesty's Government and the Soviet authorities on the Soviet wish to develop their accommodation in the Kensington Palace Gardens area. The Government are not yet in a position to present a planning application on behalf of the Soviet Embassy, and it would, therefore, be premature to make a statement at this time.