HC Deb 03 March 1902 vol 104 cc188-9
SIR THOMAS ESMONDE (Wexford, N.)

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can say out of what fund the legal expenses of the British Museum, in the case for the recovery of the Irish gold ornaments are being defrayed; and, in view of the fact that the Irish and the English law officers of the Crown are unanimous in the opinion that these ornaments are illegally retained by the British Museum, and that a demand has been addressed by the Crown to the British Museum to deliver up these ornaments, whether he will see that the legal expenses of the British Museum in connection with the case are not paid out of the public funds.

SIR M. HICKS BEACH

I understand that the Trustees of the British Musum are advised that they have no legal right to give up these ornaments, and that, therefore, they feel they cannot do so without the decision of a Court. In order that the case may be properly placed before the Court it is necessary that some legal expenses should be incurred on behalf of the Trustees, which could not properly be charged on the ordinary Votes by which the Museum is supported, nor could they be asked to pay such expenses themselves, as, even assuming them to be wrong, they are only acting to the best of their judgment in their official capacity. Their expenses will, therefore, be paid from the Vote for law charges.

SIR THOMAS ESMONDE

Will any special Estimate be made for the law charges?

SIR M. HICKS BEACH

No, Sir, I think not.

SIR THOMAS ESMONDE

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state when the trial between the Treasury and the British Museum for the recovery of the Irish gold ornaments will take place.

SIR M. HICKS BEACH

I understand that the time given by the Court for the delivery of the Defence expires on the 8th instant. It is not possible to state in advance the exact date on which the trial will take place.

SIR THOMAS ESMONDE

Can the right hon. Gentleman give no idea of the date?

SIR M. HICKS BEACH

No, Sir, it does not rest with me.

SIR THOMAS ESMONDE

I will.repeat the Question in ten days time.