asked the First Commissioner of Works if his attention has been called to the fact that numbers of wounded soldiers and little children frequent Victoria Tower Gardens; that there is no place where a drink of water can be obtained even on the most sultry days; and that much discomfort is felt by the entire absence of any lavatory convenience; and if he will consider the desirability of erecting a lavatory for women on the east side behind the Rodin statue and for men on the east side where no possible objection could be taken?

My hon. Friend called the attention of the Secretary of my Department to the desirability of arranging for drinking water to be provided in the Victoria Tower Gardens, and this is being arranged. I shall be glad to consider the question of erection of a drinking fountain of an artistic design in these gardens if any benevolent-minded person is prepared to offer to present it to the nation. The question of lavatory conveniences is one, in my opinion, for the local authority, and should not be provided out of Imperial funds.

Is not the First Commissioner of works a benevolently minded person?

I hope so.