Mr. Fletcherasked the Prime Minister whether Her Majesty's Government will consider making a contribution towards the cost of erecting a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in London.
The Prune MinisterThe Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Committee, whose Chairman is Lord Sorensen, has undertaken responsibility for the erection in Tavistock Square of a statue of this outstanding Indian figure. The site was generously donated by the former St. Pancras Borough Council and was formally accepted by the late Mr. Jawarhalal Nehru. Subscriptions have been given by many organisations and individuals in the United Kingdom and I am glad to announce that Her Majesty's Government propose to give £4,000 towards the project. Work is already under way and the Committee hope that the statue will be ready for unveiling early next year. The House will be asked138W to approve a Supplementary Estimate in due course. In the meantime any advances required will be sought from the Civil Contingencies Fund.