§ 58. Mr. LYELLasked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what was the date of completion of the two mosaic panels in the outer Lobby representing the patron saints of England and Wales; and whether it is proposed to complete the decoration of the outer Lobby by the addition of similar mosaics in the two vacant panels in order that the patron saints of Scotland and Ireland may be similarly honoured?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN (Lord of the Treasury)One of the two panels was placed in position in 1869, the second one in 1898. As to the completion of the other two, the First Commissioner can only refer to the answer given by his predecessor in 525 1908 in which it was suggested that the work would form a suitable object for private benefaction.
§ Mr. LYELLWere the two panels at present up paid for by private benefactions or out of public money?
§ Mr. W. BENNThey were paid for out of voted money.
§ Mr. LYELLWhy is this distinction drawn between the patron saints of England and Wales, in respect of whom public money is voted, and the patron saints of Scotland and Ireland, in favour of whom my hon. Friend invites private benefactions?
§ Mr. W. BENNThere is no distinction drawn between any patron saints. There is no money in the Estimates.