IMPROVING LONDON Sist,—The views of the City of London Corporation
about the replanning of the City, as explained on November 5th, call for more comment than they have so far received. For example, it was considered " ridiculous " that the Central Markets, serving seven millions of people, should be moved from the centre to the fringe, and "dangerous" to allow anyone to think that the City could agree to that proposal. (No recognition that London is the capital of a Commonwealth whose citizens may have wishes in the matter.) It was said that Wren built his Cathedral for a "city of merchants and business men." Perhaps, but in 1666 the Central Markets did not serve seven millions of people ; now that they do it is undesirable that so much heavy traffic should enter the heart of the City. On the other hand, we know that Wren intended St. Paul's to be seen, not hidden ; and it should remain at least as visible as it is today. Let us insist that this architectural masterpiece is of greater worth for the centuries to come than all the commercial activities that might take place within its precincts.
Finally, does not the City need fresh air, trees and open spaces? By building higher than at present these could be obtained with no reduc- tion in the number of offices or of persons housed ; and there is no objection to somewhat higher buildings (admittedly the foundations may be unsuitable for real skyscrapers), provided that they are kept at a
distance from the Cathedral.—I am, Sir, &C., SEBASTIAN STAFFORD.
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