§ 79. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affair whether he is aware that the Coal Exchange building is to be demolished this week; and why, in view of the fact that it is an irreplaceable example of nineteenth century English architecture, it was never placed on his statutory list.
§ Mr. CorfieldAs regards the impending demolition of the Coal Exchange, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member on 6th March by the then Parliamentary Secretary.
When the Corporation of London were informed in 1958 that the Coal Exchange was to be listed, they pointed out that it would have to be demolished to make way for the widening of Lower Thames Street, as part of the approved scheme to carry traffic from Blackfriars to the East End. Subsequently the Corporation considered in conjunction with the London County Council and others, many suggested ways of saving the building. There was no purpose to be served by completing the legal formalities of listing pending the outcome of that reconsideration.