HC Deb 06 April 1933 vol 276 cc1916-7
51. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations have been made to the Belgian Government for the continued preservation of the battlefield of Waterloo and the historical buildings thereon, such as the farm of Mont Saint Jean, the farm of La Belle Alliance, Hougoumont, etc., for which a contribution was made by this country in 1914 towards compensation of the owners of the land?

Mr. EDEN

No contribution has been made out of public funds from this country towards compensation of the owners of land on the battlefield of Waterloo, and no representations have been made to the Belgian Government.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is my bon. Friend aware that contributions were made from this country, even if not from public funds, and as this is a matter in which this country is very much interested, does he not think it desirable, at any rate, to communicate with our Ambassador regarding the proposals which have been mooted in Belgium for building on the field of Waterloo?

Mr. EDEN

If my hon. Friend has any information on this question, I will certainly consider it.

Sir W. DAVISON

Thank you.