§ SIR F. S. POWELL (Wigan)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether, notwithstanding the First Report of the Select Committee on the Museums of the Science and Art Department, 1898, plans are now being prepared for the concentration of the Science and Art Departments of the South Kensington Museum on the east side of Exhibition Road; and whether steps are also being taken for the renovation of the Geological Museum in Jermyn Street, though recommendations for its being no longer used for the same purposes as at present have been made by the Select Committee?
THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. A. AKERS DOUGLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine'sIn reply to the honourable Baronet's Question, I have to state that, according to the announcement made to the House, plans for proposed new Science and Art Buildings are being prepared for the consideration of the Inter-Departmental Committee now sitting, and for the Government. I have already promised to make a statement to the House directly this Committee reports. In reply to the second Question, I may say that the stonework of the building referred to being in a dangerous condition, it is being repaired in accordance with the usual practice of this Department.