§ MR. MASSEY-MAINWARING (Finsbury, Central)I beg to ask the Lord Advocate, what is the present condition of the Stuart and other relics in Holyrood Palace; are some portions from time to time carried away by visitors anxious to possess objects of historic interest; with a view to preserving the contents of Holyrood from gradual decay, will the Government appoint experts to report on the historic objects therein contained; and whether some of the most interesting relics could be put in glass cases?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. AKERS-DOUGLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine'sThis is a question which concerns my Department. Many of the relics referred to by my hon. Friend are in a decaying state from age; but they are all taken the greatest care of. Such as can be fittingly preserved 29 under glass are so protected; and larger objects, such as bedsteads, are railed off from the public. They are carefully watched, and it is not believed that portions are being carried away by visitors. Some tapestry of no special interest, in one of the rooms, which was placed there about 40 years ago, was being cut; but it has been protected by wirework for the past three years. There does not appear to be any need for an expert report.