MR. SAMUELSONsaid, he wished to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education, Whether any steps have been taken during the Recess to provide the increased accommodation required by the School of Mines, the Royal College of Chemistry, and the Geological Survey; whether inquiries have been instituted as to the possibility of economizing space in the building of the New School of Science and Naval Architecture at South Kensington, so that the Jermyn Street and Oxford Street Schools may be transferred and held there, either in combination with the School of Naval Architecture or otherwise; and what progress has been made with that building, and when it is likely to be opened?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERsaid, in reply, that the best answer he could make to the Question was that Earl de Grey had informed him that it was his intention forthwith to advise Her Majesty to issue a Royal Commission to inquire into the aid given from all sources to the different scientific societies, and to ascertain and report whether they considered this aid could be given with greater advantage. With respect to the amalgamation of the Jermyn Street and Oxford Street Schools with the new School of Science at South Kensington, it would come within the range of the inquiries of that Commission; but until their Report, which would be issued forthwith, was made the present arrangements would continue.