§ 24. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, when it is proposed to open for the use of the public the large plot of grass immediately opposite the Rima sculpture in Hyde Park; why this plot has been fenced off for such a long period; and whether he will arrange with the Home Office for police protection to be given to this piece of sculpture without excluding the public from the lawns in its immediate vicinity?
The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Vivian Henderson)The fencing in of this area has nothing to do with the Epstein sculpture; the grass was much worn and the fencing was necessary in order to carry out restoration, and it will be removed during the summer.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs my hon. Friend not now in a position to realise the dislike of the public generally to this statue, and will he consider the question of removing it to a museum, where it will not be frightening, either to birds or to lovers?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONI went to see the piece of grass in question this morning, and I did not notice that the London sparrows were in any way disturbed.
Commander WILLIAMSAre we to understand that this statue is so bad that even the grass will not grow?