HC Deb 18 January 1982 vol 16 c76W
23. Sir David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has to extend the National Gallery.

Mr. Channon

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment announced on 9 December 1981 an open competition for mixed leasehold development of the site of the former Hamptons department store, at the north-east corner of Trafalgar Square. Any scheme entered for the competition will have to include a minimum area of 20, 000 sq. ft. for the use of the National Gallery free of charge during the course of the 125-year lease of the site. In addition, major work has just commenced to provide a new special exhibition gallery on the National Gallery's existing site.