HC Deb 13 May 1897 vol 49 cc391-2
MR. W. F. B. MASSEY-MAINWAR1NG (Finsbury, Central)

I begin ask the First Lord of the Treasury if the lease of Manchester House has been purchased by the Government; whether Lord Portman has been asked to sell to the Government the freehold of Manchester House; whether he has staled that, under certain circumstances, he is prepared to present the reversion of Manchester House to the Nation; and whether the Wallace Collections will be arranged in time so that the numerous Colonial visitors during the Jubilee week will have the opportunity of inspecting the said collections?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

As my hon. Friend is aware, a Committee has been appointed and is, I believe, actually sitting in connection with the course to be pursued as to this great public bequest. Until that Committee has reported I can hardly reply to the major part of the Question. I am informed with regard to one paragraph, however, that it would not be possible to throw the collection open to the public in the course of the next few weeks.

DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)

asked whether there was any probability of the Committee reporting before the close of the present Session?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I have not made special inquiries, but I should anticipate that they would report before the close of this Session?