HC Deb 28 November 1963 vol 685 cc107-8W
Mr. Turner

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received about accommodation of the Royal Society; and what reply he has made.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Her Majesty's Government have provided rent free accommodation for the Royal Society since 1778, their present premises being in Burlington House. As my predecessor informed the House early last year, the Society approached the Government in 1961 about the possibility of new premises for them in Carlton House Terrace, representing that lack of adequate accommodation in Burlington House was impairing their activities. They asked whether, on surrender of their rent free accommodation in Burlington House, they could hope to receive assistance from public funds towards the costs of new premises.

With my agreement the Society entered into negotiations with the Crown Estate Commissioners for a 99-year lease of 6–9 Carlton House Terrace, which they are satisfied will, after internal reconstruction, provide worthy accommodation for the Society. These negotiations have now reached the stage which enables me to tell the House that, subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government have felt able to agree to provide the Society with funds to meet the annual rental and associated maintenance expenditure arising from their lease of 6–9 Carlton House Terrace from the Crown Estate Commissioners. When the Society are in occupation of their new and larger premises the sum needed is expected to be of the order of £45,000 per annum, but this will not be until the reconstruction is completed. Appropriate provision will be made in Estimates to be laid before this House in due course. The value of the free accommodation and services at present provided for the Royal Society by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Public Building and Works is some £18,000 a year.

The interior of the new premises will require to be adapted to the Society's particular needs and it is estimated that this internal reconstruction will cost about £500,000. The Royal Society is attempting to raise this sum and I am sure hon. Members will join me in wishing them every success in their appeal. I understand that over £360,000 has already been promised, including a most generous undertaking by the Nuffield Foundation to meet half the cost up to a maximum of £250,000, by the Wellcome Trust to contribute £60,000 towards the cost of two lecture theatres and reception room, and by the Wolfson Foundation to give £50,000 for the library.

Her Majesty's Government is glad to be associated with these efforts to provide dignified and appropriate accommodation for the future for the Royal Society, a body to which this country and humanity as a whole owe so much.