§ DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he is aware that the Ben Nevis Observatory must soon be closed, unless it can receive further pecuniary assistance; and whether, in the interest of science, he will enable this valuable national institution to continue its important work.
§ MR. A J. BALFOURI answered this Question in some detail three years ago, †and I adhere to the answer I then gave, though I fear it may not he satisfactory to the hon. Gentleman. The grant referred to has been placed in the hands of the Council of the Meteorological Society and the, Government do not determine how the grant is to be distributed among the different institutions carrying on investigations. That is left to the Society, and the Society must be responsible.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)May I ask when the Vote which will give an opportunity for discussing this matter will be taken?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI cannot answer that straight off.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI hope there will be at least an opportunity given for the Scottish Members interested in scientific observations to discuss the question.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI will look into that.
†See (4) Debates, 1xxv., 504, 835, 1303.