§ Mr. MARTINasked whether the Government have practically consented to the changes in St. James's Park proposed by the King Edward Memorial Committee, inasmuch as the First Commissioner of Works was a member of the sub-committee which unanimously recommended the proposed changes?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe sub-committee in question is, as I understand, composed of subscribers to the memorial, and the Government are in no way responsible for any recommendations it may make.
§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEasked whether, in view of the regret at the diminution in the size of St. James's Park due to the formation of the Processional Way, the Government will consider the advisability of reducing its width and restoring a portion of it to St. James's Park?
The TREASURER of the HOUSEHOLD (Mr. Dudley Ward)The Mall affords a great opportunity to people to witness processions, and the First Commissioner does not think it would be in the public interest to remodel it at great expense. He regrets, therefore, that he is unable to adopt the suggestion of the hon. Member.
§ Mr. NOEL BUXTONasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the regret that, before the curtailment of St. James's Park and Green Park in connection with the Queen Victoria Memorial took place, the House of Commons was not afforded 1800 any opportunity of expressing its opinion, he will give an assurance that no alteration of the existing plan of any national park shall in future be undertaken without submission to the House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs regards the first part of the question, I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. I am informed that the plans for the Queen Victoria Memorial and the Mall Extension were exhibited in the Tea Room some time before work was begun upon them, and the sum necessary for the construction of the new Mall was voted by Parliament. I cannot give an undertaking in such wide terms as are suggested in the second part of the question, but I do not think that serious or substantial changes in the parks should be undertaken without notice to the House of Commons.
Major WHITEasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the opposition to the full details of the King Edward VII. Memorial scheme in St. James's Park, he will consider the advisability of devoting a considerable portion of the funds available to improving and beautifying Victoria Park or other open space in East London, so that the poorer subjects of His late Majesty may obtain some benefit from the memorial scheme?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe funds in question are entirely raised by voluntary contribution, and the Government have no voice whatever as to their application, except in so far as public interests are involved in the execution of a memorial scheme.