HC Deb 03 August 1899 vol 75 cc1296-7
MR. BROOKFIELD (Sussex, Rye)

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether he can state the precise process or arrangement by which it has been decided to erect a statue to Oliver Cromwell within the grounds of Westminster Palace, in addition to the bust of Cromwell already placed near the foot of the grand staircase leading to the Committee Rooms; whether any sanction has ever been given by Parliament for the erection of either of these two memorials; and whether the present House of Commons has had or will have any opportunity of expressing its opinion in the matter.

* MR. WILLIAM JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will also favourably consider the request in the third paragraph of the question, in order that the electors of this country may have an opportunity of taking note of those who are engaged in this, idiotic opposition to honouring the memory of England's greatest ruler?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The hon. Member is not in order in applying the language he has used to a question which appears on the Paper in the name of another hon. Member.

* MR. WILLIAM JOHNSTON

I did not apply it to the hon. Member, but to the opposition. I will be glad to exchange it for any Parliamentary equivalent.

THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. AKERS-DOUGLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine's

I have already stated on several occasions that the offer of a statue of Oliver Cromwell was made to, and accepted by, the late Government, and a site for its erection chosen by my Predecessor at the Office of Works. The Government on their accession to office in 1895 were asked whether they would adhere to the action of their predecessors, and they agreed to do so. The bust of Oliver Cromwell, which is admitted to be a very fine work of art, was presented to, and accepted by, the First Lord of the Treasury in the name of the House. It has not been customary, nor is it necessary, to obtain the formal sanction of the House to gifts of this character.

MR. JAMES LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)

Has my right hon. friend had his attention called to the fact that there is a far more suitable site in Marylebone Road, in the neighbourhood of Baker Street, where there is a chamber specially reserved for malefactors?

MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to give us the name of the generous donor?

MR. AKERS-DOUGLAS

No; I am not.

MR T. M. HEALY

Is he ashamed of it?