HC Deb 04 May 1840 vol 53 cc1186-7

The sum of 25,250l. was next moved as the estimated expense of the works and fittings of the new buildings in progress at the British Museum.

Colonel Sibthorp

would like to know, before the House voted away so large a sum, the state of the budget, which he hoped would be fairly, candidly, and openly, explained that evening. There was no doubt but that, by the beautiful system of postage reduction, the resources of the Exchequer would be found deficient.

Sir R. Inglis

referred to the unanimous decision of the committee which sat upon the subject of the British Museum, of which the hon. Member for Kilkenny was a Member, and who reported that the most eligible, expeditious, and economical course would be for her Majesty's Government to propose to the House a grant of 250,000l. for completing the additional buildings to this great national work. Such was the recommendation of the committee, which recommendation was disregarded by the government. It was surely a better course than an annual application for driblets of 25,000l. each session.

Mr. Hume

fully concurred with the views of the hon. Baronet, and contended that, if the recommendation of the committee had been acted upon by the Government, the public would gain between ten and twenty per cent., and have the work more speedily executed.

Mr. Ewart

wished to suggest to the Government the propriety of having public libraries in different parts of the metropolis.

Mr. S. O'Brien

wished that the hon. Member for Wigan had extended his suggestion from the capital to the large towns of the empire.

Sir R. Peel

said, that if a deficiency in the revenue was anticipated, that were a good reason not to go on with the undertaking; but when the undertaking was commenced, economy suggested the speediest execution. The opinion of the architect who was examined before the committee was, that if the work was performed in two instead of five years, a great saving would be effected. For his own part he was anxious that the work should be completed, and he was also aware that if works of curiosity were exposed to the public, many persons would contribute valuable works of art to the national insti- tution. He hoped that the Government would consider the suggestion thrown out by his hon. Friend the Member for the University of Oxford, and achieve the saving of 20 or even 10 percent. to the public.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer

undoubtedly was aware, that when great operations were to be performed it was the best way to carry them on speedily; but owing to the anticipated deficiency, it was a question whether the work was to be commenced during the current year, or be deferred to the ensuing year. It was for that reason that he did not propose a greater sum than that proposed.

Mr. Hume

thought, that if the work was to be accomplished in five years it would be the most prudent course to propose an annual grant of 50,000l. The sum proposed was totally inefficient for any ultimate or successful purpose.

Vote agreed to.