HC Deb 18 March 1859 vol 153 cc384-5
MR. GREGORY

moved, That a Select Committee be appointed to inquire how far, and in what way, it may be desirable to find increased space for the extension and arrangement of the various collections of the British Museum, and the best means of rendering them available for the promotion of science and art.

SIR GEORGE LEWIS

said, he was anxious that there should he some understanding as to the objects of the inquiry; as the latter part of the Motion stood, there was no limit to the extent to which the inquiry might be carried.

MR. GLADSTONE

said, he entertained a similar opinion, and he would suggest that the latter words, "and the best means of rendering them available for the promotion of science and art," be omitted. He begged to move that these words be struck out.

Amendment proposed, to leave out from the word "Museum" to the end of the Question.

MR. GREGORY

said, he could not assent to the Amendment; the wording of the Motion had been approved of by the right hon. Gentleman the Home Secretary. The public was determined there should be an inquiry to ascertain whether the Museum could not be made available for instruction as well as exhibition. He considered the Motion, as it stood, fully carried out the understanding come to on the previous evening.

SIR GEORGE LEWIS

suggested that the words objected to should be struck out and others inserted; so it would stand, "render them available for purposes of instruction." The proposal of the hon. Gentleman would create a total revolution in the arrangement, objects, and character of the Museum. The present officials were chosen totally irrespective of any purpose of teaching; there were no rooms for lectures in the institution, and the alterations which would be necessary to fit it up as a university would involve a large expense.

MR. SOTHERON ESTCOURT

said, the terms of the Motion had been approved of by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and himself, and, in his opinion, they fully carried out the understanding come to on the previous evening, and the vagueness of the words of the reference were intended to meet the various views then urged.

MR. STIRLING

said, he wished to know whether the opinion of the trustees had been taken on the terms of this reference?

MR. SOTHERON ESTCOURT

said, he was not aware they had been consulted. He understood that the subject of the trust was not at all involved in the inquiry.

Question put, "That the words proposed to be left out stand part of the Question."

The House divided:—Ayes 21; Noes 2: Majority 19.

House adjourned at half-after One o'clock till Monday next.