§ MR. L. P. HAYDEN (Roscommon, S.)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether a contract has been entered into by Her Majesty's Government for the erection of a statue to Oliver Cromwell; when was the authority of Parliament obtained for the proposed expenditure; what is the amount of the contract entered into, and what will be the entire estimated expense; and will the cost of the erection be derived from Irish as well as English taxes; if so, have any steps been taken to obtain the views of Members from Ireland upon the subject?
§ MR. HERBERT GLADSTONEA contract has not yet been entered into for a statue of Oliver Cromwell. An opportunity will be given, in the discussion of the estimate for the Houses of Parliament buildings, for any hon. Members to express their views on the subject. The House will be asked to vote £500 on account towards the cost of a statue, and further particulars as to the proposal will then be announced.
§ MR. BARTLEYMay I ask whether this statue is for the Houses of Parliament, or is it to be sent to Ireland?
§ MR. HERBERT GLADSTONEThe question of site has not yet been determined.
§ MR. CLANCYWill the contract be entered into before the discussion takes place in the House?
§ MR. HERBERT GLADSTONENo, Sir; I think not.
§ MR. W. JOHNSTONWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether tenders will be invited from Ireland?
§ [No answer was given.]