132. Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Works the cost of developing the site on the corner of Horseferry Road and Marsham Street, Westminster; when the decision was taken to acquire this site and build offices; and when the building will be ready for occupation.
§ Mr. EcclesThe previous Government decided in 1946 to acquire the site bounded by Horseferry Road, Monck Street, Great Peter Street and Marsham Street for the erection of Government offices. The cost of the first section of the office building, to be erected on the part of the site nearer Horseferry Road, which has been acquired and cleared is provisionally estimated at £1,800,000. Work on the basement is proceeding but in view of the economic situation I cannot say when it will be possible to build the superstructure.