HC Deb 10 May 1866 vol 183 cc741-2

(Mr. William Cowper, Mr. Childers.)

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."

MR. BENTINCK

inquired whether the First Commissioner of Works would state the names of the Committee who would decide what architect's design should be chosen, and whether the plans would be laid upon the table of the House?

MR. SCLATER-BOOTH

thought as the building would be proceeded with next year it was high time the council of the Royal Academy had some notice given them; and he also thought the House should be informed as to what the Royal Academy was likely to do.

MR. COWPER

said, the architects had been requested to send in their designs in October, and at that time the judges would have to make their award. As the time was so distant, however, they had not been nominated. The Council of the Royal Academy had been told that they must leave the present building, and they had agreed to do so. Correspondence upon the subject was in the printer's hands, and would shortly be presented to the House. The designs would be ready in November, and if an autumn sitting were to be adopted hon. Members would then have an opportunity of seeing them.

In reply to Sir MATTHEW RIDLEY,

MR. COWPER

said, there was no truth in the report as to the directions for space for the Royal Academy at Burlington House. He had, however, been able to offer the Council the space that was disposable, but he had not heard whether the offer was accepted.

Motion agreed to.

Bill read a second time, and committed to a Select Committee.