§ LORD JOHN MANNERSasked the First Commissioner of Works, What preparations have been made for the reception of the equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington at Aldershot?
§ MR. SHAW LEFEVREArrangements have been made for the erection of the statue at Aldershot. A site has been selected for it near the headquarters, overlooking the permanent barracks and the town. The erection of a pedestal will be undertaken by the military authorities. Any outlay incurred will be defrayed out of the fund raised by the Committee appointed by the Prince of Wales.
§ SIR WILLIAM HART DYKEI wish to ask for a word of explanation. I should like to know how it came about that when it was decided that the noble Duke was to be beheaded, that no arrangement was made by hoarding or otherwise to hide so painful a spectacle?
§ MR. SHAW LEFEVREI regret to say that no arrangements were made; but I gave orders that a tarpaulin, or something else, should be erected during operations. I found, however, that it had been removed; and I have again 1313 given orders that nothing more should be done without some such screen.