HC Deb 09 April 1946 vol 421 c1791
58. Lieutenant-Colonel Lipton

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what sculpture, in addition to the bust of the right hon. Member for Woodford (Mr. Churchill), has been commissioned at the public expense from Mr. Jacob Epstein and other artists.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Glenvil Hall)

Thirty works in all. They include seven by Mr. Epstein, the subjects being Sir John Anderson, Mr. Bevin, Mr. Churchill—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order."] I think I am in Order in mentioning names—Sir Alan Cunningham, M. Maisky, Lord Portal and Viscount Wavell.

Lieutenant-Colonel Lipton

While it is satisfactory to know the full extent of our monumental liabilities, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether, as a precautionary measure, it may he possible for these busts, etc., to be shown in the Library of the House before being exposed to the public gaze?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Twenty-five of them have already been exposed to the public gaze, three I think in the National Gallery, and 20 at the War Artists' show at the Royal Academy in October, 1945.

Mr. C. S. Taylor

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether a bust of Mr. Vishinsky is to be made a memorial for all time?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

I think the list is now closed.

Lieutenant-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

If busts are to be the order of the day, would it not be proper to include the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

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