HC Deb 05 December 1911 vol 32 cc1227-8
Mr. NOEL BUXTON

asked the hon. Member for Southampton, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether, in view of the desire of the King Edward Memorial Committee to recommend to the Government a site in Green Park for the memorial, he is able to state the date on which the House will be given the opportunity of expressing its views in accordance with the statement of the Prime Minister?

Captain MURRAY

asked whether, at the recent meeting of the King Edward Memorial Committee, any decision was arrived at as to a site for the proposed King Edward Memorial?

The TREASURER of the HOUSEHOLD (Mr. Dudley Ward)

The proposal is to erect the memorial at the Piccadilly end of the Broad Walk in the Green Park—the spot indicated in the various answers given in this House on the 19th July last.

Captain MURRAY

May I ask whether the Government has actually given its assent to this site?

Mr. DUDLEY WARD

No, Sir.

Lord BALCARRES

Is it the case that the Government is with holding its assent until the matter has been discussed in this House?

Mr. DUDLEY WARD

The answer given by the Prime Minister was that the Government saw no objection to this site, but, of course, before the site is finally approved, the matter has to receive, first of all, the assent of the Memorial Committee, then of the First Commissioner of Works, and then before anything can be finally settled, the plans will have to be exhibited in this House. That was the promise made by the Prime Minister.

Mr. ASHLEY

Surely the Prime Minister said that this House should have an opportunity of discussing the whole matter?

Mr. DUDLEY WARD

Yes, Sir.

Captain MURRAY

May we take it that before the assent is finally given the House will have not only an opportunity of discussing the matter, but of giving its verdict upon it?

Mr. DUDLEY WARD

I understand so.