HC Deb 21 June 1898 vol 59 cc947-8
SIR F. POWELL (Wigan)

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works if the Report of the Departmental Committee on the proposed new buildings of Science and Art at South Kensington has been made; and, in such case, whether he will at once present it with the signatures to the House as a Parliamentary Paper, or will forthwith communicate the same to the Select Committee appointed to inquire and report on the administration and cost of the museums for their assistance in preparing their Report?

THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS

A preliminary Report has been made, but has not yet been considered. I am not prepared to lay the Report as a Parliamentary Paper on the Table of the House, nor can I communicate the same to the Select Committee, as the matter is one which, in the opinion of the Government, does not come within their reference. I have already promised the right honourable Baronet the Member for the Forest of Dean that I would inform the House directly a decision was come to.

MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)

Are we to understand that the interpretation of the terms of reference to the Committee were settled by the Government, and not by the Committee?

THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS

This Committee was not a Committee of this House, but an interdepartmental Committee appointed by the Lord President and myself. The Reports of such Committees are not generally laid—at all events, before they are considered.