§ SIR JOHN COLOMB (Great Yarmouth)To ask the hon. Member for North Huntingdonshire, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware that the whole of the cast bronze scroll work lamps on London Bridge are advertised for sale; whether these lamps were made from French guns captured during the Peninsular war: and, if so, whether he will consider the propriety of securing them for use in suitable places under the control of the Department.
(Answered by Mr. Ailwyn Fellowes.) Inquiry shows that the lamps in question have been temporarily withdrawn from sale; so far as can be ascertained from the authorities concerned with the widening of the bridge, there is nothing to show that the lamps were made from French guns captured during the Peninsular war. The sale or retention of the lamps is a matter with which the City of London is concerned; the Office of Works has no jurisdiction whatever.