§ 19. Mr. GILBERTasked the First Commissioner of Works why the statue of King Charles at Charing Cross has been sandbagged and covered with staging, and what the estimated cost of this work will be; if he will say if it is proposed to deal with other public statues in London in the same way; and, if so, how many and what statues they are?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Sir A. Mond)I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 19th June to the hon Member for Portsmouth for the reasons for this work, the estimated cost of which is £450. It is not my present intention to have any other statutes similarly treated.
§ Mr. PRINGLEWill the hon. Gentleman not consider the claims of Oliver Cromwell for similar protection?
§ Sir A. MONDWe will consider anything reasonable.
§ Mr. HOLTMay I inquire whether this particular statue has been chosen as an indication of the Government's sympathy with statesmen who lose their heads?
§ Sir A. MONDThe beautiful statue of the distinguished sovereign that I am protecting is one of the finest works of art in the Metropolis.
Mr. T. WILSONWhy has the right hon. Gentleman not taken the same precaution with regard to Westminster Hall?
§ Sir A. MONDBecause it is obviously impossible.
§ Sir A. MONDIt includes the entire expense.