§ MR. G. C. T. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether work was resumed last Autumn at the South Kensington Museum, as promised by him ("Hansard," vol. xxi., p. 687), so as to leave everything ready for the commencement of these buildings as soon as the money was voted by the House of Commons; and, what sum is to be taken in the coming year's Estimates for the completion of these buildings in accordance with the pledge of the present President of the Local Government Board in March 1894, on behalf of the Government?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir W. HARCOURT,) Derbysaid, the demands upon the Estimates under other heads had proved so heavy that it had been found necessary to restrict the expenditure on bricks and mortar to the lowest possible point, and he feared that it would not be possible to undertake any large expenditure in connection with South Kensington Museum at present.
§ MR. BARTLEYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not the fact that last year a certain estimate was allowed to pass on the distinct pledge for the Government that this year there would be a vote for this building?
§ SIR W. HARCOURTIt was intended to do so, but, as we were reminded the other night, we ought to cut our 950 coat according to our cloth, and the hon. Member must allow me to know what our cloth is.