§ MR. G. W. E. LODER (Brighton)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works, whether he can state how far the buildings of the New National Portrait Gallery have advanced towards completion; what further steps are necessary before the pictures can be moved from Bethnal Green; and, whether it is the intention of the Government to put down a Vote in the Estimates in connection with the preparation of the Gallery for the reception of the pictures.
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. HERBERT GLADSTONE, Leeds, W.)The building has so far advanced that the architect is now of opinion that he will be able to hand it over to the Board of Works at the end of April, or beginning of May. The two top floors are now practically finished, and it will be possible to begin the removal of the pictures from Bethnal Green in the course of next month. The hanging could be carried out during the time that the lower floors are being finished, so that the galleries might be opened to the public in June. A sum of £400 has been provided in the Estimate for Public Buildings for the next financial year to cover the cost of completing the fixtures and furniture of the new building. The cost of removing the pictures from Bethnal Green will be borne by the Science and Art Department.