§ MR. BOORD (Greenwich)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the Painted Hall at Greenwich is being stripped of the greater part of the pictures and relics which form the chief attraction to visitors; whether it is also intended to remove the principal models from the College buildings; and when the several objects removed will be replaced?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. FORWOOD,) Lancashire, OrmskirkIn the unavoidable absence of my noble Friend at the head of the Admiralty, I beg to state that a considerable number of the pictures, relics, and naval models now at Greenwich will be moved to London to form part of the collection to be shown at the Royal Naval Exhibition. From the liberality with which private owners have responded to the appeal made to them, that section of the Exhibition relating to naval pictures and portraits, marine models, and relics, promises to be quite unique from its magnitude and unbroken historical continuity. My hon. Friend could hardly expect that, when private individuals are thus bestirring themselves to assist the Naval Exhibition, the one great national collection of naval pictures and models should not contribute its share, especially when the inhabitants of Greenwich have in ordinary years the benefit of a gratuitous access to the only naval exhibition of pictures and models in the country supported by 1236 national funds. The pictures and models will return to Greenwich when the Exhibition is over.