HC Deb 03 April 1913 vol 51 cc641-3

Motion made [1st April], and Question again proposed, "That a sum, not exceeding £36,700, be granted to His Majesty, to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1914, for Expenditure in respect of Royal Palaces, including a Grant:in-Aid."—[Note.—£30,000 has been voted on account.]

Lord A. THYNNE

I wish to ask your ruling, Mr. Whitley, as to whether I should be entitled on this Vote to discuss the question of the new front which it is proposed to put on Buckingham Palace. I call your attention to the fact, if we do not discuss it on this Vote, it, would not come within the cognisance of the House this Session unless the hon. Gentleman who represents the Office of Works gives us some indication that an opportunity for its discussion will be afforded. It is a matter that ought to come un for discussion, because there is a good deal of feeling that the solution proposed by the Office of Works, and those who are directly responsible, is not one which satisfies a large section of artistic and architectural opinion in London.

The CHAIRMAN

I understand there is no money in this Vote for that purpose, but I think it would be in order to raise the question on the Vote for the salary of the First Commissioner—Vote 26, Class II. The matter, as I understand, is in his control.

Mr. J. M. HOGGE

May I ask the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East whether the King Edward Scottish Memorial comes within the purview of his Department, and whether, before that Memorial is erected on the grounds of Holyrood Palace, this House will have some opportunity of seeing the design and approving of it?

Mr. BENN

We provide the site; that is to say we permit the Memorial to be erected on the grounds of the Palace; the question of the design and so on are matters for the Scottish Committee.

Mr. SCOTT DICKSON

I understand, though I do not know whether the information is entirely accurate, that as regards permission for Holyrood Palace, there is some difficulty in respect to the application, and that it has to be made to London instead of Edinburgh. That seems to me not very convenient.

Mr. BENN

I did not hear that until the right hon. Gentleman put that view a few minutes ago, but if he will supply me with details, I will have it looked into.