HC Deb 11 March 1952 vol 497 cc1236-7
8. Professor Sir Douglas Savory

asked the Minister of Works whether he will make arrangements to render the statue of King William III accessible to the public at least on 12th July and 5th November, as at present this statue in St. James's Square is surrounded by a fence with locked doors so that it cannot be seen except at a distance.

Mr. Eccles

Access to this admirable statue is controlled by the Trustees of St. James's Square. My responsibility is limited to the maintenance of the statue under the provisions of the Public Statues Act, 1854.

Sir D. Savory

Will my right hon. Friend do his best to prevent his sacred Majesty of blessed memory from being isolated in a sort of German concentration camp?

Mr. Eccles

I have a suggestion to make to my hon. Friend. The Minister of Labour has in his keeping a key to this garden and, with his sincerity, my hon. Friend might move the Minister to lend him the key.

Mr. Leslie Hale

In the interests of peace across the water, will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance to the House that he will provide similar amenities and facilities for his late most gracious Majesty King James II?