§ 15. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he is aware that the authorities in Calcutta have decided to remove the last statue of Lord Curzon still standing in India; what request he has received that Her Majesty's Government should seek to arrange with the Government of India to bring the statue to Great Britain for re-erection on some suitable site; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuardThe authorities in the Indian State of West Bengal have recently moved a statue of Lord Curzon from Calcutta to the grounds of a residence of the State Governor. The statue is the property of the West Bengal Government. We have received some inquiries for information about this statue but no direct request for help in arranging for its return to the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs the new site of the statue one of dignity where it can be seen by those who, like many Indians, honour the memory of Lord Curzon, who contributed so much to the progress of their country and rescued its antiquities?
§ Mr. LuardAs I told the hon. Gentleman, the statue has been moved to the grounds of a residence of the State Govnor. This is a site of appropriate distinction and is not in any way derogatory to the memory of Lord Curzon.
§ Mr. Arthur LewisIs my hon. Friend aware that, as we would like the Government to cut wasteful expenditure, with- 16 out decrying Lord Curzon, many of us would not like money to be spent on bringing the statue back here?