HC Deb 27 February 1968 vol 759 c345W
Mr. Boston

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he can now proceed with the construction of new Embassy offices and flats on the Porta Pia site in Rome, to the design by Sir Basil Spence.

Mr. Mellish

Provision of £100,000 was taken in Estimates 1967–68 for this service, which was subsequently deferred.

I have now authorised an early start on the offices, within an estimated works cost of £850,000, which I expect to recoup from the sale of other premises in Rome which can be given up when the work is completed.

In the light of our present financial position, I have decided to omit the staff flats.