HC Deb 14 February 1898 vol 53 cc486-7
SIR FRANCIS POWELL (Wigan)

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works, what steps the Government have taken to carry out the recommendations of the Select Committee of last Session on the Museums of the Science and Art Department for the protection of the collection at South Kensington from the imminent risk of fire; and, whether they are prepared, without further delay, to proceed with the completion of the permanent buildings in accordance with the recommendations of the Second Report of the same Committee?

THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Right Hon. A. AKERS-DOUGLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine's

In answer to the hon. Baronet and the hon. Member for Battersea, I have to say that the old buildings known as the "Boilers," the temporary building in the inner quadrangle, and the students' refreshment rooms, have been removed. Various other works are in hand, including the fireproofing of the room next the Raphael Gallery, and the improvement of the Southern galleries on the West of Exhibition Road. The private residences of the officials are to be abolished. These, in the opinion of the Government, comprise all the matters of urgent necessity, in view of the fact that a proposal for proceeding at once with the permanent buildings will shortly be laid before Parliament.

MR. JOHN BURNS (Battersea)

Arising out of that question, may I ask whether we are to assume that at once means the current year?

THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS

I have every reason to hope so.