HC Deb 15 November 1955 vol 546 cc171-2
6. Mrs. Mann

asked the Minister of Works what protests he has had regarding his proposal to move the statue of Mrs. Pankhurst in Westminster Gardens; and if he will now define exactly the location proposed for the statue.

7. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Works whether he will make a statement on his final plans for the Victoria Tower Gardens.

Mr. Birch

I propose to carry out the scheme that I announced to the House on 28th June, subject to two changes. Mrs. Pankhurst's statue will be moved closer to the Houses of Parliament, near the place now occupied by the Burghers of Calais. The Suffragette Fellowship, while still objecting in principle to the removal, agrees that this is a more suitable position than that which I originally proposed. Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Buxton Memorial Fountain will also be erected in the Gardens, and in accordance with the Parliament Square (Improvements) Act, 1949, I am laying a paper before Parliament on this matter today. The Royal Fine Arts Commission has approved the scheme. A model and drawings are in the Library.

Mrs. Mann

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Suffragette Fellowship and all who honour the memory of Mrs. Pankhurst will be very glad to know that he has made that change because everyone felt that as Mrs. Pankhurst's work was connected with Parliament her statue should be nearer to the Houses of Parliament, and not further away?

Mr. Birch

I am grateful to the hon. Lady. I understand how strong her feelings are about this. The Suffragette Fellowship has very kindly asked me to the unveiling ceremony; I hope the hon. Lady will be one of the company.

Dr. Stross

Whilst congratulating the right hon. Gentleman on meeting the wishes of the ladies in this matter and moving Mrs. Pankhurst much nearer to the Palace of Westminster, may I ask whether we may have his assurance that the work will be proceeded with forthwith? Secondly, are we to draw any conclusion on this further move—does it mean that the right hon. Gentleman and the Government have in mind that ladies are to enter the House of Lords and sit there as of right?

Mr. Birch

In reply to the hon. Gentleman's first supplementary question, I hope that the work will start soon. In reply to his second question, I should not like to speculate, but I have no doubt that if ladies want to enter the House of Lords they will get there sooner or later.

Mr. E. Fletcher

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what official decision there has been on the re-arrangement of the Burghers of Calais group?

Mr. Birch

They are being put on a lower pedestal, but not in single file, as was suggested by some people.