HC Deb 06 February 1947 vol 432 cc1953-4
46. Earl Winterton

asked the Prime Minister if it is intended, in the new Commons Chamber, to reproduce the memorials which existed prior to the destruction of the Chamber, to hon. and right hon. Members of this House who fell in the 1914–18 war; and if it is further intended to erect memorials to the hon. Members of this House who fell in the 1939–45 war.

The Prime Minister

An informal Committee of both Houses has been set up to consider the question of a Parliamentary war memorial to those who fell in the 1939–45 war. I understand that this Committee is considering the whole question of the Parliamentary war memorials and I should prefer to await an expression of their views before making a statement on the subject.

Earl Winterton

As a Member of the Committee, may I assure the right hon. Gentleman that it is an entirely informal body composed of Members of another place as well as of this House and is quite unsuited to deal with this matter, and, in view of the Report from the Select Committee over which I presided for the rebuilding of the House, in which it was recommended that the House should be restored to its original shape, may I ask what is the objection to the right hon. Gentleman saying that this House is prepared to carry out its sacred obligation to restore the memorials which existed prior to the destruction of the Chamber and to erect others to hon. Members who fell in the last war?

The Prime Minister

I understood that this Committee was considering how best the memorials of the 1939–45 war and the 1914–18 war should be dealt with in this House, and I prefer to wait until I have had its report.

Earl Winterton

What authority has this Committee? It is really a conference called by you, if I may say so, Mr. Speaker, and in those circumstances what right has it to decide on the matter and why cannot the Government take authority for stating the simple fact that these memorials should be restored?

The Prime Minister

I think the noble Lord is a little unreasonable. It obviously has not authority to act, but surely in a matter like this it is the right thing to consult hon. Members of the House.

Earl Winterton

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the replies, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.