§ 43. Mr. BASIL PETOasked the Under secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether, if a suitable memorial sculpture executed by a British scupltor is provided by public subscription, he will consider replacing the Epstein bas-relief at the bird sanctuary in Hyde Park with it?
§ Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON (for the FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS)The hon. Member will appreciate the difficulty of answering a hypothetical question such, as this. I car, only say that the First Commissioner feels that the suggested replacement of one piece of sculpture by another might intro duce a principle of rather far-reaching application.
§ Mr. PETOCan the hon. Gentleman give me any idea of what is the value in money of this so-called work of art— according to the amount subscribed for it by private subscription?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONIt is almost impossible to value a work of art.
§ Mr. PETOWhat I asked was whether the hon. Gentleman can give me any idea of the money value based upon the amount contributed by private subscriptions? I understand this was presented to the nation. Surely we are entitled to know what was the value of the gift?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI am not sure that I understand my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONIf my hon. Friend will put a question down, I will try to give him an answer.
§ Mr. HARDIEWould not the hon. Gentleman who is answering the question be better employed in drawing attention to the state of the Houses of Parliament, and getting money for their reconstruction than in getting money for statues outside?