HC Deb 03 July 1840 vol 55 cc432-3

Mr. G. Knight moved, that a Select Committee be appointed to inquire into the plan sanctioned by the Commissioners of Woods and Forests for laying out the vacant space in front of the National Gallery.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer

did not so much object to the appointment of a Committee, but he could never be a party to advising the Crown to break a pledge given to the subscribers to the Nelson monument; and he must say, that with reference to that part of the alterations in front of the National Gallery, it was too late to prevent it,

Sir J. Graham

observed, that the matter was of some interest, not merely as regarded the Nelson monument, but National Gallery also, which building remained an eternal monument of the taste of the House of Commons.

Motion agreed to.