§ 126. Mr. H, Straussasked the Minister of Works whether in view of the widespread desire to secure the most suitable site for the Grinling Gibbons statue of James II and the fact that fresh information is now available regarding possible sites in the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, he will again consult the Royal Fne Art Commission on the subject.
§ 127. Commander Nobleasked the Minister of Works whether in view of the representations of the Chelsea Borough Council and the Chelsea Society, which have received wide support, he will now reconsider his decision regarding the siting of the Grinling Gibbons statue of James 11.
§ Mr. KeyI have considered the representations which have been made to me about the statue of James II. I feel that, as this is generally acknowledged to be one of the best of the London statues, it should be placed in a more central position than Chelsea Hospital, and I have decided, as a temporary measure, to erect the statue on the National Gallery site. The matter will be reconsidered when the new Government offices in Whitehall are completed, and the adjoining gardens laid out. When a more suitable site is found or becomes available, I will consult the Royal Fine Art Commission again.