HC Deb 23 July 1958 vol 592 cc412-3
37. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will arrange for an inspection by interested Members of Parliament of the proposed R34 memorial design, prior to the intended erection at London Airport.

Mr. Neave

The model of the proposed memorial belongs to the Air League of the British Empire. I understand that it is on view to the public at the Sabin Galleries in Cork Street.

Mr. Beswick

In that case, presumably Members of Parliament, like others, can go along to see it. As many people think this design cannot possibly be as strange as it looks in a photograph, I hope they will accept the suggestion. As we do not want a lot of controversy about this memorial, may I ask whether it has the blessing of the Ministry and the Minister?

Mr. Neave

My right hon. Friend does not wish to set himself up as a critic of modern sculpture. He took the advice of the Royal Fine Art Commission on this matter and the memorial was designed at the request of the Air League, which is paying for it and whose choice it was.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Does this mean that we are always to be saddled at London Airport with this horrible two-headed bat, forever and ever?