§ 2.38 p.m.
§ LORD MANCROFTMy Lords, I beg to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have yet decided what statue is to be erected at the North-East corner of Parliament Square.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRE-TARY, MINISTRY OF WORKS (LORD MORRISON)My Lords, in designing the Square the architect had in mind that an equestrian statue of monumental character should be placed in the North-East corner facing up Whitehall. It was at one time suggested that the statue of Richard Cœur de Lion should be moved from Old Palace Yard to this position, and be re-placed by Rodin's Burghers of Calais, which now stand in the Victoria Tower Gardens. This idea never progressed be-yond a suggestion, and I understand that the Minister of Works intends to leave for future consideration the question as to what statue, if any, shall occupy this position.
§ LORD MANCROFTMy Lords, whilst thanking the noble Lord for his answer, may I ask him this question: Is it the intention of His Majesty's Government to consider moving an existing statue, as appeared to be the current opinion when we last debated this matter, or are they contemplating a new statue; and, if so, will they consider the claims of Field-Marshal Smuts, who has died since that date?
§ LORD MORRISONMy Lords, with regard to the first part of the noble Lord's question, I can say that a decision as to whether an old statue should be moved there, or whether a new one is to be erected, has not yet been taken. In regard 389 to the second suggestion about Field-Marshal Smuts, I will see that that is passed on for consideration.
THE EARL OF PERTHMy Lords, will the noble Lord say that no final decision will be taken before Parliament has been consulted?
§ LORD MORRISONI could not say that.
§ VISCOUNT SWINTONMy Lords, this matter has been the subject of considerable debate in Parliament, and with great respect I would ask the Leader of the House what is the value of communicating to us something which has been decided and, for all we know, may have been done. Surely, where we are concerned with the environment of Parliament itself it is reasonable that Parliament should express an opinion.
§ LORD MORRISONMy Lords, if I may be allowed to reply. I have said that the question has not been decided. Now that the noble Viscount brings it back to my memory, I believe it is specifically provided in the Parliament Square Act that Parliament shall be consulted.