HC Deb 02 December 1925 vol 188 cc2225-6
59. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, for what purpose the Fine Arts Commission was constituted; and whether the Government do not consider it to be a competent tribunal to decide as to the desirability of removing to another site a monument or piece of sculpture erected in a public place as to which a controversy has arisen?

Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON (for the

The Fine Arts Commission was appointed to advise Departments of State and public bodies on such questions of public amenity or of artistic importance as may be referred to them, and, in so far as the Hudson Memorial is concerned, they may be considered the successors of the Sites Committee, who advised the Department in regard thereto. The First Commis- sioner considers the Commission a thoroughly competent tribunal to advise on such matters.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Sites Committee, to which he has referred, were not unanimous?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I have already said so.