§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDE (Dublin Co., S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If, in view of their extreme historical interest and peculiar artistic value to the Irish people, the Government will have the Challoner Smith Collection of Mezzotint Engravings purchased for the Irish National Gallery?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. JaCKSON) (Leeds, N.)(who replied) said: Representations have been made to the Treasury by an unofficial Committee in favour of the purchase of this Collection; but the Treasury declined, having no funds available for the purpose.