§ 20. Colonel MILDMAYasked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glas- 526 gow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if his attention has been drawn to the efforts now being made to re-establish the financial position of metropolitan hospitals; if, in view of the exceptional circumstances of the case, he is prepared to waive the rule forbidding the erection of advertisements in the royal parks; and if in this special case he can see his way to authorise the display of posters of moderate size, provided they are only fixed outside the park railings and for a strictly limited period?
§ Major BARNSTON (for the First Commissioner of Works)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The First Commissioner felt that, as the object in view was of such importance and of so much interest to the public generally, he would not be justified in withholding his consent to the exhibition of these appeals; but his permission was given with great hesitation, on account of possible interference with the amenities of the parks, and only on the definite understanding that it would not form a precedent.
Captain Viscount C U RZO NWould applications be considered from any other charity on the same principle?
§ Major BARNSTONThat is just what I have said would not be done.