§ LORD BALCARRES (Lancashire, Chorley)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works what progress has been made in acquiring property needed for the isolation of the National Gallery.
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. AKERS DOUGLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine'sThe purchase of property, with a view to creating a clear space not less than 40ft. wide, to the west of the National Gallery, has been agreed to, in principle, by the Government and the vendors; and negotiations are now in progress as to the settlement of the price to be paid. The purchase should be shortly completed.