§ Mr. Ewartasked whether there was any probability of the cathedrals being thrown open to public inspection?
§ Sir Robert Peelsaid, he had no authority in the matter, and could only express his own strong opinion in reference to it. He could only state that for the purpose of protecting property from any injury which might arise from the admission of the public, the Government would lend the assistance of the police, and every aid in their power, to obviate the objections that had been made to the suggestions on this subject; and he should have thought, after the example of throwing open the cartoons without charge, from which not the slightest injury had arisen, it would be considered that free access might be allowed without the apprehension of any mischievous consequences, and that where the admission was unrestricted, the public would themselves act as a police, as was exemplified in the cases of the British Museum and the Cartoons.
§ Subject at an end.