HC Deb 06 December 1932 vol 272 cc1433-4
Mr. CAMPBELL

(by Private Notice) asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view of the fact that widespread celebrations are taking place today of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Warren Hastings, he is not of opinion that the time has come to amend the inscription on the tablet in the floor of Westminster Hall with a view to recording, in addition to the mere fact of Warren Hastings' trial, the fact of his acquittal?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I am prepared to give favourable consideration to the proposal, with which I have some sympathy, on receiving details of the amendments proposed.

Mr. McENTEE

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any request from Warren Hastings himself?

Mr. DENMAN

Cannot we rely on the schools to provide this information?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I think the present inscription merely records the fact of the trial and says nothing of its duration or its result. It is rather inadequate in view of the fact that a large number of schools read the inscriptions in Westminster Hall. Of the inscriptions this is the least informative in giving any historical facts.

Mr. LOGAN

Before the right hon. Gentleman is inclined to spend any money in regard to this inscription, does he feel satisfied that on the impeachment of Warren Hastings the acquittal was justified?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

The facts are on record. As regards the question of expense, I understand that there will be no charge on public funds whatever and that the cost of the alterations will be defrayed by generous donors.

Mr. BURNETT

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to add to the inscription in connection with William Wallace?

Mr. MAXTON

He was not acquitted.