§ 63. Sir CHARLES OMANasked the Under Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether his attention has been called to the fact that the newly executed fresco of King John sealing Magna Carta, in St. Stephen's Hall, continues to incur criticism among Members both for artistic and for historical reasons; and whether measures can be taken to replace it by a more satisfactory picture?
§ Captain HACKING (for the FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS)The question raised by my hon. Friend is not an easy one to deal with by way of question and answer, but the First Commissioner is quite prepared at the convenience of my hon. Friend to discuss the matter with him.
§ Sir C. OMANIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the subject which the artist has chosen to illustrate, namely, the blowing down of the Royal Standard, and the grave injury thereby caused to the head of the Papal Legate, did not occur?
§ Mr. THURTLEIn considering this matter, will the hon. and gallant Member bear in mind that the great majority of hon. Members are very well satisfied with the new pictures in St. Stephen's Hall?
§ Mr. E. BROWNIs the hon. and gallant Member not aware that the Royal Standard flagpole is not blown down, as in the picture the pole has been cut, according to the artist?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEWould it not be more in accordance with the sentiment of the nation if this picture were removed and the picture of the burial of the Unknown Warrior were replaced?
§ Captain HACKINGWe had a long discussion on history a few days ago, and I am afraid I cannot be expected at short notice to answer any further historical questions regarding any of the pictures placed in St. Stephen's Hall. In regard to the supplementary question put by the hon. Member for Shoreditch (Mr. Thurtle), I think there is a great measure of satisfaction, expressed universally throughout the House, with these pictures. As to the replacement of 574 the Unknown Warrior, there has been a long discussion between my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works and the hon. and gallant Gentleman, and I thought that some measure of satisfaction had been achieved.
§ Mr. LAMBWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman take steps to see what measure of satisfaction there is in the House by inquiring of other Members?
§ Mr. HARRISDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that some hon. Members admire this picture immensely as a great work of art, and that the same criticism was made about William Blake's pictures about 100 years ago?
§ Sir ROBERT HAMILTONMay I ask who is the ultimate authority in deciding what pictures should be hung, and where?
§ Captain HACKINGThe ultimate authority, I understand, is the Lord Great Chamberlain, who is responsible for the pictures hung in the Palace of Westminster.
§ Mr. BROWNArising out of the answer about the Unknown Warrior, does the satisfaction to which the hon. and gallant Member referred mean that the picture is now to be put in Westminster Hall, where all the public can see it?
§ Captain HACKINGNo, Sir. I understand that the artist considers that if this picture were placed in Westminster Hall the damp atmosphere would damage it, and he himself desires that it should remain temporarily where it is, in the Royal Robing Room.
§ Captain HACKINGYes, only temporarily.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that that is not at all in accordance with what we agreed to?