Piccadilly Circus (Development)

Oral Answers to Questions — Local Government – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 14 October 1969.

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Photo of Mr Patrick Wall Mr Patrick Wall , Haltemprice 12:00, 14 October 1969

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a further statement on the development of Piccadilly Circus.

Photo of Mr Arthur Skeffington Mr Arthur Skeffington , Hayes and Harlington

Following the public exhibition last year, discussions have been taking place between the developers' architects, the Greater London Council and Westminster City Council with a view to the submission of an application for planning permission.

Photo of Mr Patrick Wall Mr Patrick Wall , Haltemprice

Is the Minister aware that this place is rapidly becoming a slum, instead of the hub of the Commonwealth as it should be? Can he say when we may expect actual development to start?

Photo of Mr Arthur Skeffington Mr Arthur Skeffington , Hayes and Harlington

I cannot give any estimates. I agree that the delay is unfortunate. Anything that the Department can do to assist in the matter, it is doing.

Photo of Mr Marcus Lipton Mr Marcus Lipton , Lambeth Brixton

By way of making an immediate start, cannot the Minister declare the space around Eros a slum clearance area?

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