HC Deb 13 December 1939 vol 355 c1190
41. Mr. Leonard

asked the First Commissioner of Works how many standards of timber and sheets of corrugated iron were used for the air-raid protection of the statue of King Charles in Whitehall; and the total cost of the work involved?

The First Commissioner of Works (Mr. Ramsbotham)

The historic equestrian statue of King Charles I, which has well been described as the most famous of its kind in this country, is, with its pedestal, of considerable size. Two-and-three quarter standards of timber and 140 sheets of corrugated iron were used for its protection, and the total cost of the work was £320, of which nearly one-half was for labour.

Mr. Leonard

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the type of timber used for this purpose is urgently needed in Scotland to strengthen the tenement buildings there, where there is great danger; and if the First Commissioner has any further timber of this character available will he direct it to the Home Secretary so that it can be used for the protection of human life?