Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware of the promise given to the Secretary of State for the Colonies in 1947 that to concentrate his dispersed staff a new Colonial Office would be erected on the old Westminster Hospital site, conditional on his releasing the premises in Downing Street; what terms still govern the occupancy of the Church House in Great Smith Street; how far the work on the new site has gone; what work is at present proceeding; whether, and when, it is proposed to proceed with the original proposals for a Colonial Office on this site; and, in view of the political 93W developments in many dependent territories, what modifications of the plan are contemplated.
§ Mr. MolsonYes. The lease of Church House is due to expire in 1974, but it could be determined by the lessors in 1960 or 1967. A sub-basement only94W has been constructed on the site and the only works going on at present are temporary measures to allow the site to be used as a public car-park.
When the economic situation improves the original proposals will be reviewed in the light of the situation at the time.