§ 79. Mr. Stokesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will reconsider the decision to demolish the St. James's Theatre, in view of the fact that it is now known that the land value of the site is £250,000 and that he has declared the compensation necessary to stop demolition is £50,000; and if he will make a statement following his talks with hon. Members.
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§ Mr. BevinsIt is the owners of the theatre, not the Government or the London County Council, who intend to demolish it, and revocation of the permission would not prevent its demolition. My right hon. Friend said that compensation on revocation might be upwards of £50,000. This was a very conservative figure; the amount payable might well be twice as much, but until detailed claims were made a closer estimate could not be given.