§ MR. W. GORDONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether the Commissioners for the Exhibition of 1851 propose to make any further report of their proceedings since the 15th of August 1867, the date of their fifth and last report; and, if so, when such further report may be expected; and, whether he is aware of any intention on the part of the Commissioners to sell or otherwise dispose of any and what portions of their estate at Kensington Gore, with a view to the same being applied to ordinary building purposes, or to any purposes other than such as will "increase the means of industrial education and extend the influence of science and art upon productive industry?"
MR. ASSHETON CROSSSir, the replies to the Question of the hon. Member are—1. The question of presenting a further Report has been under the consideration of the Commissioners, and they have decided to make it when certain pending questions are disposed of. 2. The Kensington Gore Estate was purchased in part with monies raised on the mortgage of the estate, and the Commissioners, since they have possessed it, have been engaged in letting on building leases and selling various portions of it in order to free by degrees the remainder from the mortgage debt to 1281 which it is subject. There is no purpose to apply any portion of the money thus raised for any other object than increasing the means of industrial education and extending the influence of science and art upon productive industry. I may add, that if I have any power to order the Commissioners to make a further Report, it is my intention to do so.