MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education, will he explain why it is that while the National Museum at South Kensington contains numerous specimens of the sculpture and stone carving of every nation, no specimen of the ancient Irish stone carving such as the Celtic crosses of world-wide fame are on view there; whether he is aware that the specimens of Irish lace are placed in a dark passage where it is impossible to examine them except by artificial light; and whether he will take steps to have these matters set right?
§ THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL ON EDUCATION (Sir J. GORST,) Cambridge UniversityThe Science and Art Department has never been able to acquire a specimen of ancient Irish stone carving. The specimens of Irish lace referred to in the Question are used for exhibition in the country. They are placed in the passage for storage, not for exhibition.
§ SIR J. GORSTThat is another Question and not the one on the Paper. I believe they have some, but will inquire. Perhaps the honourable Member had better put another Question down.