§ SIR HENRY ROSCOE (Manchester, S.)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether the astronomical instruments for the international photographic survey of the heavens, recommended by the Royal Societies of London and Edinburgh and the Board of Visitors of the Greenwich Observatory, the estimates for which have been forwarded from the Admiralty some months since to the Treasury, are yet ordered; and, if not, whether, in view of the fact that all the 13 other sets of instruments were ordered by Foreign and Colonial Governments last year, and, consequently, the British Observatories will be placed at a serious disadvantage, Her Majesty's Government will be prepared to put the necessary amount on the Estimates in order to avoid further delay?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's. Hanover Square)The astronomical instruments required for the international photographic survey of the heavens have not yet been ordered; but the House will soon be asked to vote 954 the necessary funds. It is, I believe, the case that 13 instruments have been already ordered by different Powers and Public Bodies; but the hon. Member is mistaken in supposing that all the Powers whose co-operation is contemplated have as yet ordered their instruments. On the contrary, two of the Great Powers, so far from ordering their instruments, have not yet definitely declared their intention to take part in the work. I do not think there is any cause to fear that Great Britain will be behindhand in the matter.