HC Deb 31 May 1911 vol 26 cc1066-7
Mr. NOEL BUXTON

asked whether the First Commissioner, in view of the increasing demand for public statues and for large monuments in London and the decreasing space available for them, will consider the rearrangement of Hyde Park Corner on a more rectangular plan, such as has proved a success at the Marble Arch, and the utilisation of the spaces so formed for statues or monuments; and whether he will arrange for a schedule to be made of places available for statues in London, so as to preserve some proportion between the ultimate number and the frequency of permits granted for erecting new statues?

Mr. DUDLEY WARD

The First Commissioner is afraid that there would be some real difficulty in making the space at Hyde Park Corner rectangular, but would be glad to receive from my hon. Friend a more detailed suggestion which could be entertained in its relation to the traffic and other considerations. As regards the last part of the question, few such sites are under the control of the First Commissioner, but he would be ready to assist the various local authorities of London in compiling such a schedule.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Will the hon. Gentleman see that steps are not taken to turn London squares and streets into bad editions of Siegers Allee, Berlin?

Mr. DUDLEY WARD

Yes, Sir.