asked the Minister of Public Building and Works, whether, when he receives the first Report of the Consultant for the Whitehall area, he will lay the plans for each redevelopment before Parliament before they are acted upon; and, since there will be several different architects involved for whom the Consultant is not responsible, what steps he is taking to see that the new buildings in the area will conform with each other in style.

I shall arrange for Parliament to be informed of the proposals for the Whitehall area as a whole, and any subsequent plans for individual projects, before they are implemented. The second part of the Question involves matters of taste. I do not intend to impose a uniform style on the new buildings in this area.

Is the right hon. Gentleman fully seized of the fact that he has here an unparalleled opportunity of adding great distinction both to the heart of the capital and to his own name? Is he not aware that many would welcome the spectacle of "Proficiency Pannell" chasing Capability Brown down the pages of history? Is he still of the opinion, which he held on 22nd June, that a Select Committee of this House could be of help to him?

I think that most of these considerations will have to await Sir Leslie Martin's report next March. I cannot jump in with a Select Committee before that is received. I hope to publish it as soon as possible thereafter.