HC Deb 14 August 1896 vol 44 cc842-3
SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT (Monmouthshire, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Commissioner of Works whether he will now take measures to remove the statue of Mr. Bright from the Central Hall. The right hon. Gentleman added that he put this question at the earnest request of the family?

MR. A. AKERS-DOUGLAS

The statue of the late Mr. Bright has not been taken over by the Government, and still remains the property of the Committee of the Memorial Fund. There is, I am aware, a general, if not unanimous, opinion among Members adverse to the statue—[cheers]—and I propose to write to the Secretary of the Committee informing him of this opinion, and suggesting to him to take steps to give effect to the wishes of the House. [Cheers.]

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

Has the right hon. Gentleman satisfied himself that it is the statue of Mr. Bright? There is a difference of opinion on the point. [Laughter.]

[No answer was given.]