HC Deb 21 March 1946 vol 420 cc2002-3
1. Mr. William Shepherd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many policemen per 24 hours are engaged in guarding the bust of Lenin in Holford Square, Finsbury; and what has been the total estimated cost of such surveillance since protective action has been taken.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)

The patrol involves the employment of three policemen in eight hour reliefs. These officers are available for any other police duty in the neighbourhood, and it would not, accordingly, be possible to give any accurate estimate of the cost of guarding the memorial.

Mr. Shepherd

Does the Minister's answer not disclose a waste of three policemen's time, and, in view of the fact that Lenin only lived in a house in this square for a fortnight,— and I believe left without paying his rent,— should not the Home Secretary get this bust put into an institution?

Mr. Ede

No, Sir. There are many statues in London which give rise to acute controversy. Few of them are erected to people for whom I have very much respect in these modern days. We have to live and let live in these matters.

Mr. Sidney Shephard

Is it not a fact that this statue is covered by a tarpaulin and cannot be seen by the public?

Mr. Ede

It is a great pity that some of the other monstrosities are not similarly treated.