§ MR. H. KIMBER (Wandsworth)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works if he has had his attention called to the fact that the Westminster 494 Aquarium is in the market; and if he will consider whether it would be a suitable place for our National Portrait Gallery, now so unworthily housed.
§ MR. PLUNKETI believe that the Westminster Aquarium is in the market; but I am not aware that it has been offered at such a price as could be entertained with a view to converting it into a home for the National Portrait Gallery, even if the building were otherwise suitable for the purpose.
§ MR. HOWORTHI beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works, whether he has received a communication from Lord Hardinge, the senior trustee of the National Portrait Gallery, in reference to the irreparable injury which the collection of National Portraits has suffered in consequence of their insufficient protection in the building where they are now exhibited; and, if so, whether he sees any objection to publishing the letter in question.