§ MR. COOPEasked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether the Government is now prepared to carry out the long needed extension of the buildings of the National Gallery, in order to give sufficient space, not only for the works of art already in the possession of the Nation, but also for those which may be presented or bequeathed by private individuals; and, whether greater facilities in future will be afforded to the public to visit the National Collection by lighting the Galleries by Electricity on certain evenings in the week?
§ MR. SHAW LEFEVRESir, the Estimates for the current year contain no provision for making an addition to the buildings of the National Gallery. The very heavy expenditure for completing the Natural History Museum and the New Law Courts has prevented the Government from entertaining many other demands in respect of public buildings. With reference to the use of the electric light in the National Gallery, the responsibility rests wholly with the Trustees; but I think they would be wise in waiting the results of experiments in other public buildings, especially as regards their safety.