HC Deb 17 March 1919 vol 113 cc1726-7
61. Mr. GILBERT

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been called to the present condition of the War Memorial in Hyde Park; and if he will state if he proposes to take any action in order that it may be kept in a proper condition by the addition of flower beds or in some other manner?

Sir A. MOND

The war shrine in Hyde Park was erected by private subscription for a specific occasion—namely, Remembrance Day, 4th August, 1918, and consequently was intended to be of a temporary character. There is no authority to maintain this shrine out of public funds, but I have instructed the park staff to give all possible assistance, and this has been done. I am in communication with the donors in regard to the present condition of the shrine, for which they are responsible; but, of course, the scarcity of flowers in the winter has made it difficult to maintain it up to its original standard.