§ MR. C. REEDasked the First Commissioner of Works, When the Museum of Art and Science on Bethnal Green, the first money vote for which was taken in the year 1867, will be completed; and whether he is now prepared to name a day for the public opening of the same?
§ MR. AYRTONreplied, that the construction of the works had been placed under the superintendence of Lieutenant Colonel Scott, who was instructed to make designs for it. He (Mr. Ayrton) had been led to believe that it would be completed at an early day; but he had received a letter from Lieutenant Colonel Scott, fixing the completion of the exterior for the 1st of October next. A great part of the building was, however, now ready to be occupied. He was not prepared to state what course would be pursued in this particular case; but under ordinary circumstances, the building would be handed over to the Department of Science and Art, when the President could decide on the proper course to be taken as regarded the opening.