§ MR. BENTINCKsaid, he wished to ask the Vice President of the Council, On whose responsibility and judgment Purchases are to be made at the Paris Exhibition? He considered that the answer which the Vice President of the Council 693 gave to his Question last night was not satisfactory. He should like to know, whether the art referees of the South Kensington Museum, or Mr. Cole, the Secretary, for instance, were to be consulted? He had understood from the Vice President of the Council that part only of the money for those purchases had been voted, and that this money came from that voted for the purchase of objects for museums, and was not a special Vote?
§ LORD ROBERT MONTAGUsaid, in reply, that his hon. Friend seemed to be under a misapprehension. He (Lord Robert Montagu) had not stated that they had made any purchases in anticipation of the Vote by Parliament; and he had no intention of asking Parliament for a Vote for that purpose. His hon. Friend, perhaps, had in mind the regular South Kensington Vote—a sum of £10,000, appropriated to the purchase of works of art. No purchase was made out of that fund without the approval of the President and Vice President. The Art Referees, Mr. R. Redgrave and Mr. Robinson, were also consulted.
§ MR. BENTINCKsaid, he must again ask on whose authority and judgment the purchases would be made?
§ LORD ROBERT MONTAGUsaid, certain gentlemen very competent in matters of art had been asked to mention any subject which it would be desirable to obtain; but nothing could be purchased without the sanction of the Lord President and the Vice President, advised by the Art Referees.