§ MR. A. SEYMOURasked the First Lord of the Treasury, What instructions, if any, have been issued to Mr. Poynter, or any other artist, with regard to the mosaic decoration of the Central Hall; and, whether he sees any objection to the Cartoons already executed, and which are now exhibited at the Royal Academy, being returned to Mr. Poynter, the Government having no further use for them?
MR. GLADSTONESir, I have to state, in reply, that Mr. Poynter has been apprised that he will be employed for the purpose of effecting these decorations; but he has been requested by my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works to wait a decision, which has not yet been arrived at, with respect to the best method of carrying them into effect. With respect to the cartoons on exhibition at the Royal Academy, I understand they are the property of Her Majesty's Government, and will be employed for some public purpose; and, therefore, they cannot, on that account, be returned to Mr. Poynter.