§ MR. CAVENDISH BENTINCKsaid, he wished to ask the First Commissioner of Works, Whether the Board of Works can obtain leave to remove the Iron Cages which are at present placed upon the respective summits of the Monument and the Duke of York's Column; and, if so, whether such Cages might not be replaced by some other protection against accidents?
MR. COWPERsaid, that like the hon. Gentleman, he regretted the disfigurement of the Duke of York's Column by the cage which was at present at the top of it. He found that it had been placed there by the Trustees, who represented the subscribers to the work, in consequence of the suicide of an unfortunate musician who had thrown 1824 himself from the top of the column. Those Trustees were willing to substitute for the cage any other device that would be effectual for the object they had in view; but he did not at that moment see what other expedient could be adopted for that purpose.