§ SIR HARRY VERNEYsaid, he would beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether he can inform the House for what sum the building of the International Exhibition of 1862 could be purchased, with a view to convert a portion of it into a Museum, or a Gallery for Works of Art, or some institution for the encouragement of those objects to which the late Prince Consort devoted his efforts, and to bear his name r
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir. I am not able to give my hon. Friend a positive and final answer to his Question. In point of fact, those who are properly interested in the building of 1862 are the Commissioners of 1851; and those Commissioners have not yet had an opportunity of arriving at a definite conclusion on the subject. At the same time, their Finance Committee, who advise them in these matters, have had that opportunity; and on Thursday the Commissioners will themselves meet to decide the question. There have been communications with certain parties on behalf of the contractors; and I hope that on the day the House re-assembles I shall be able to make a statement, or lay on the table some document that will convey to the House in a distinct manner the views of Her Majesty's Government in reference to this matter. Of course, I need hardly say, that should the building be acquired, it will be applied to purposes such as those 1950 stated generally in the Question of my hon. Friend.