HC Deb 19 July 1894 vol 27 cc486-7

Bill considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Clause 1.

MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)

said, that £200,000 seemed to be a large amount to pay for this land. He did not say it was unfair, but he should like to ask if the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary to the Treasury could give information as to the steps which had been taken to value the land? Was it done by arbitration?

THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Sir J. T. HIBBERT,) Oldham

was understood to say that the hon. Member might rest satisfied that the amount was reasonable. The land had been valued by the surveyor of the Office of Works and the Treasury valuer, and both these gentlemen considered the sum moderate. The price would probably have been much larger if the opportunity had not been taken to purchase before the leases were renewed.

MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)

said, that as he saw the hon. and learned Gentleman the Member for St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, in his place he would invite him to put in a plea for the carrying out of several outstanding works in connection with the Dublin Museum.

THE CHAIRMAN

Order, order! The Bill has no reference to Ireland.

MR. T. M. HEALY

said, that the only way in these matters to obtain any benefit for Ireland was to object to English Bills. Though he had great reluctance in placing himself in opposition to the present Government in this case he must point out that in regard to the building in Dublin, which was analogous to the British Museum in London, they had great difficulty in inducing even the present Government to carry out outstanding works. This appeared to be an excellent opportunity to ask the Government if they intended in regard to similar appeals affecting Ireland to make the smallest concession to the demands of gentlemen connected with the Kildare Street Museum and buildings of that character.

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

said, that so far as he knew, there was no application now before the Treasury as to the enlargement of galleries or museums in Ireland. If such applications should be made they would be duly considered. A considerable amount of money was being spent this year in respect of public buildings in Ireland.

MR. T. M. HEALY

said, he should not say another word if the hon. Member for the St. Stephen's Green Division was not in a position to offer any observations.

Clause agreed to.

Bill reported, without Amendments, to the House; to be read the third time To-morrow.