§ Sir W. Davisonasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he can make any statement as to the proposed reconstruction of the two fountains in Trafalgar Square; what is the nature of the design of the new fountains; and whether a sketch of the same will be placed for the inspection of Members in the Tea Room of the House of Commons?
§ Sir P. SassoonIt is somewhat premature to speak, as my hon. Friend does, of the "proposed" reconstruction of the fountains in Trafalgar Square. But I am considering the suggestion that, having regard to the dearth of good sites now remaining in London, and of the existing superfluity of statues in the Metropolis, the memorials which Parliament resolved should be set up to Earl Jellicoe and Earl Beatty should appropriately and more acceptably take the form of ornamental fountains. No site so suitable for Naval heroes can be found as Trafalgar Square: and I am accordingly exploring the possibility of a scheme which, while adequately fulfilling the intention of providing memorials to those two great sailors, shall at the same time afford an embellishment of Trafalgar Square itself. If a scheme satisfactory from the aesthetic, practical, and, I must add, financial point of view, can be developed, a sketch illustrating it will be placed in the Tea Room.