§ MR. ERRINGTONasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether he 785 has as yet been able to come to some arrangement for the purchase of the Stowe Manuscripts in the Ashburnham Library; and, if so, whether he is in a position to give the House any information as to the disposition of the manuscripts so purchased, especially those relating to Ireland?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)Sir, in reply to my hon. Friend, I have to say that Her Majesty's Government have arranged to purchase the portion of the Ashburnham Manuscripts which is known as the Stowe Collection, for £45,000, subject to the House of Commons passing the necessary Vote in Supply. An Estimate for this purchase, with Papers on the subject, is in course of preparation. The greater part of the manuscripts will go to the British Museum; but certain Irish Papers will be deposited in Dublin. The Estimate will state which manuscripts it is proposed to send to Dublin, and the institution will be named in the Papers.
§ MR. RAIKESIs there no prospect of other portions of the Ashburnham Collection—besides the Stowe Manuscripts—being purchased?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)the only portion which Her Majesty's Government have purchased, and I think are likely to purchase, is the Stowe Collection.