asked the Minister of Works how far the scheme for the reconstruction of Carlton House Terrace has proceeded; whether the plans have been approved by him and, if so, on what date; and how far His Majesty's Government are committed to this scheme.

Preliminary sketch plans of the scheme for reconstructing Carlton House Terrace have been prepared and are now being discussed with the planning authority. These plans were approved by my predecesssor in 1948 after they had been agreed by the Royal Fine Art Commission. The Government are committed to expenditure on architect's fees and have spent some money on securing vacant possession of the property.