§ SIR ALGERNON BORTHWICK (Kensington, S.)asked the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education, If the Committee of Artists appointed to report on the results of scientific experiments made at the South Kensington Museum as to the fading of water colour drawings exhibited there has had any meetings; and, if so, when its Report will be laid upon the Table of the House; if he will grant a Return of all water colour drawings purchased for the nation by the South Kensington Authorities since the institution of the scientific inquiry two years ago; and, whether any especial precautions have 717 been taken to protect such drawings from the alleged injurious effects of daylight, pending the verdict of the scientific experts and artists appointed to consider the question?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)(who replied) said: The Committee of Artists have had several meetings, and have expressed their opinion on the Report of the scientific investigation into the action of light on water colours by Dr. Russell and Captain Abney. The Report, with the opinion of the Committee of Artists, has been laid on the Table of the House, and will, I hope, be in the hands of hon. Members in a few days. If, when my hon. Friend has seen the Report, he still wishes to have the Return of water colours purchased since the institution of the scientific inquiry, I shall have no objection to grant it. No special precautions—other than those which are always used—have been taken to protect these drawings, pending the result of the inquiry.