MR. J. W. LOWTHERasked the First Commissioner of Works, If he has taken any and what stops, since the 29th March. 1883. To arrest the decay, by corrosion, of the "Achilles" statue in Hyde Park; and if not, if he would explain the cause of the delay?
§ MR. SHAW LEFEVRESir, I have had the Achilles Statue carefully examined, and find that its defective state is due to the imperfect amalgamation of the metals in the original casting, which has led to serious corrosion. Before dealing with the matter, which may involve a very expensive process of repair, it is thought better to wait and see how far the flaws in the metal extend. At present there is no immediate danger to the statue.