LORD HENRY LENNOXsaid, he wished to ask the Chief Commissioner of Works, If any plans have been prepared under his sanction for erecting a building behind the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square for 1377 the reception of the "Turner Pictures;" and, if so, whether it is in contemplation to commence the execution of any such Plans without previously obtaining the direct sanction of Parliament?
MR. COWPERsaid, that the improvements recently made in the National Gallery were so arranged as to aid any large plan which might hereafter be adopted for extending the building of the National Gallery to the rear over the site now occupied by the barracks and St. Martin's Workhouse. He certainly had in his possession plans showing how buildings might be extended in that direction so as to provide accommodation for all the pictures, both ancient and modern, which were now or might hereafter be under the charge of the Trustees of the National Gallery; and a single wing might at any time be built over a portion of the barrack-yard, so as to accommodate the Turner pictures; these plans were under consideration, together with other plans, and as the Government had yet come to no decision on the subject he was unable to give any information as to what steps might hereafter be taken.
LORD HENRY LENNOXsaid, he would now ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will give an assurance that no steps in that direction will be taken without the express sanction and authority of Parliament?
MR. COWPERsaid, he must entirely decline to enter into any pledge with the noble Lord. He could tell the noble Lord that he did not contemplate doing such a thing as erecting a building without the direct sanction of Parliament; but he did not conceive that the noble Lord had any right to get up and ask for a pledge that he would not do that which was very unlikely, and which was not in contemplation.