HC Deb 29 June 1954 vol 529 cc80-1W
52. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he proposes to take in view of the low architectural standards of the reconstruction of central urban areas now taking place to which attention has been drawn by the Royal Fine Art Commission.

Mr. Marples

My right hon. Friend believes that the Commission's concern arises mainly over the rebuilding of the City of London; and he is already in touch with the Commission, the City Corporation, and the London County Council. He is informed that arrangements were instituted earlier this year for the City's planning consultants, Dr. Charles Holden and Professor Sir William Holford, who is also a member of the Commission, to meet regularly with officers of the Corporation and of the County Council. The purpose of this is to consider the general form of development for each of the main building units in the war damaged areas of the City, as well as to deal with individual proposals. Under this procedure, close and early collaboration will my right hon. Friend understands be maintained with the Commission on questions of design in the more important cases. These arrangements will he hopes do much in the future to remove the Commission's present apprehension.