§ MR. BOWEN ROWLANDS (Cardiganshire)asked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether sums of money have been granted from time to time out of the Estimates, towards reproducing in facsimile, and publishing, some of the most important of the ancient MSS. of England, Scotland, and Ireland; and, whether the Government will consent to give similar encouragement towards reproducing and publishing ancient Welsh MSS?
§ THE SECRETARY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)It is the fact that between 1864 and 1881 sums of money have been provided, from time to time, in the Estimates, towards reproducing in facsimile and publishing some of the most important of the ancient manuscripts of England, Scotland and Ireland. It was found in 1884 that nearly £10,000 had been spent in the preceding 10 years on this work, while the receipts from sales were only £1,850. In view of this evidence of lack of public interest in the work, and for other reasons, the publication was discontinued; and I do not think that I can hold out any hope that a recommencement of the work will be made in favour of Welsh manuscripts.