§ MR. CLAUDE HAYI beg to ask the Prime Minister if he can state the attitude of the Government in reference to the bequest to the British Nation of armour and works of art by the late Mr. Stibbert, of Florence.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Sir H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN,) Stirling BurghsI understand that the late Mr. Stibbert's intention to bequeath his collection to the British Nation was notified to the late Government, and gratefully accepted by them. Negotiations with his executors are now proceeding with a view to the fulfilment of his wishes.
§ MR. CLAUDE HAYWhen will the result of the negotiations be made known?
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI cannot say.
AN HON. MEMBERWill the Government urge the trustees of this splendid bequest to the British nation 1494 that the curator shall be a British subject? This is a matter of much interest to the community of Florence.
SIR H. CAMPBELL BANNERMANI do not know that this Question arises out of the original Question, but I should be glad to give an Answer as far as I have the information at my disposal.
§ MR. WEIR inquired whether the Government would see to it that the curator was able to speak the Italian language fluently.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThere are many British subjects who can speak the Italian language quite as fluently as their own.