Somerset House

Oral Answers to Questions — Environment – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 19 May 1971.

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Photo of Mr Peter Hordern Mr Peter Hordern , Horsham 12:00, 19 May 1971

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will remove the Registrar General and his staff to other premises, in order to allow Somerset House to be used as a national gallery for art.

Photo of Mr Julian Amery Mr Julian Amery , Brighton, Pavilion

I have recently visited Somerset House and my hon. Friend will appreciate that I sympathise with the suggestion. I must have regard to the practical difficulties and the cost of providing alternative accommodation for any of the Departments now housed in the building.

Photo of Mr Peter Hordern Mr Peter Hordern , Horsham

I am grateful for that reply. It must be possible to use Somerset House, one of the most beautiful buildings in London, for a more useful purpose than housing the Registrar-General and the Census team. Will my right hon. Friend undertake to hold a serious review of the locations of all Government offices in London in these days of rapid communications and of rising property values?

Photo of Mr Julian Amery Mr Julian Amery , Brighton, Pavilion

Yes, Sir; I can give my hon. Friend a positive answer on his general question, but I am also carefully considering the whole question of Somerset House.