§ 3. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Works if he is aware that there are a number of statues which obstruct or impede traffic in the centre of London; and if he will set up a committee to advise him on the desirability of removing such statues.
§ Lord John HopeI have received no representations in this connection, but if the hon. Member will let me have the details of the statues he has in mind, I will consult with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport about such of them as are my Department's responsibility.
§ Mr. HughesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I had in mind some statues of field marshals on horses who are a greater danger to the public when they are dead than when they were living? Does he realise that in continental cities—for example, Paris—a lot of hideous old statues have been cleared away with great benefit to the cities?
§ Lord John HopeI know that there is a definition of the horse as being dangerous at both ends and uncomfortable in the middle, but I do not think that it applies to statues.