§ "That a sum, not exceeding £400, be granted to His Majesty, to complete the sum necessary to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1903, for a Grant to the Board of Trustees for Manufactures in Scotland in aid of the maintenance of the National Gallery, School of Art, and Museum of Antiquities, Scotland, etc."
§ MR. MUNRO FERGUSON (Leith Burghs)asked whether any definite step had been taken with regard to the appointment of a Court of Inquiry, for the purpose of inquiring into the allowances made to the Board of Manufactures with a view to exercising a more efficient control in regard to the National Gallery in Scotland. He understood that an arrangement took place the other day in regard to this matter.
*MR. A. GRAHAM MURRAYsaid every step had been taken that could be taken with regard to this Court of Inquiry up to the present time. The right hon. Gentleman opposite had been asked to furnish names, which had not yet been done, but the Chancellor of the Exchequer hoped to be in a position shortly to announce the names of the Departmental Committee which was to inquire into the question of the control of the National Gallery in Scotland.
§ MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)expressed his satisfaction at the statement of the right hon. Gentleman. This matter excited a great deal of feeling in Scotland, and he hoped 686 that as soon after the Recess as possible, the Committee would get to work, and report to the House the result of their labours at the earliest possible moment.
*MR. A. GRAHAM MURRAYsaid it was intended that the sittings of the Committee should take place during the Recess; therefore, he hoped to have their Report when the House re-assembled.