Lord Chelwoodasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the Royal Artillery Memorial at Hyde Park Corner, honouring nearly 80,000 gunners who lost their lives in the two world wars, has been allowed to sink into such a serious state of disrepair; what plans there now are for its restoration; and when the work will be completed, at approximately what cost.
§ The Earl of AvonThe Royal Artillery Memorial at Hyde Park Corner has been maintained regularly since it was erected in 1925. As a result of a fracture in the drainage system causing the holding down bolts to rust, the supports to the bronze statue of the shell carrier broke away earlier this year. Remedial action is being taken, costing some £2,000, and the repaired statue will be returned to its place shortly. In addition, the effect of the elements on the soft Portland stone, which forms the main part of the memorial, has made some cleaning and recutting necessary. This will cost about £30.000 and the department hopes to undertake the work next year.