§ * SIR JOHN COLOMBI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he can give any information respecting the robbery of Nelson relics at Greenwich Hospital; and whether Her Majesty's Government will consider the question of the removal of those that remain to the Museum of the Royal United Service Institution, Whitehall, under conditions affording more adequate security for their safe custody.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIn answer to my hon. and gallant friend I have to say that on Saturday evening eighteen articles, of which thirteen were Nelson relics, chiefly medals, were abstracted from cases in the Painted Hall at Greenwich Hospital. As the matter is now in the hands of the police I cannot give further details. A reward of £200 has been offered for the recovery of the articles, which, I am informed, considerably exceeds their intrinsic value. The question of safe custody of the other articles is under consideration, and meanwhile they are locked up in the strong-room.
§ CAPTAIN NORTONIs it a fact that these priceless national relics were left in the building without any night protection, and were only in charge of old pensioners? Was not this too great a responsibility to place upon men in that position?
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!