§ The House went into a Committee of Supply.
§ Sir H. Inglis moved a grant of 21,974l. to meet the expenditure of the British Museum up to Lady-day, 1837. He did not anticipate that so important and beneficial a grant would meet with any opposition. The great advantages to be derived from this national institution were becoming every day more generally felt. Since its opening, the number of visitors had increased in the proportion of four to one, and that of the readers in the Library in the proportion of thirty to one.
§ Mr. Hawescongratulated the House on 1013 the statement just made by the hon. Baronet. He begged leave to observe, however, that from the Report of the Commissioners, he was at a loss to understand exactly at what hours the Museum was to be open. Upon that point he wished to be informed, and also whether there was any probability of a more perfect catalogue being provided, for it was certainly very much needed. He had also to observe, that he did not think 500l., as specified in the grant, sufficient for supplying moulds to the French Government for taking casts of the Elgin marbles, and it would be pitiful to make that Government pay for them.
§ Sir R. Inglissaid, that it was intended to keep the Museum open during the months of May, June, July, and August, from nine in the morning until seven in the evening, and during the rest of the year at the usual hours. He believed a perfect catalogue would be ready before the end of the year, but the Commissioners feared they could not carry their plans into effect without some assistance from the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequersaid, the Treasury would be always ready to assist the Commissioners, if they made out a proper case.
§ Vote agreed to.