§ SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)To ask the First Commissioner of Works how far the suggestions made by him to various public departments as to the desirability of using leadless glaze since 26th July last have led to satisfactory results; and 497 how far other refreshment committees of Government offices are prepared to take action similar to that of the Home Office, Paymaster-General, Royal Mint, Royal Courts of Justice, and the General Post Office and its principal branches, such as Edinburgh, Manchester, etc.
(Answered by Mr. Harcourt.) I have ascertained that all the departments communicated with have adopted, or decided to adopt, the china and earthenware glaze established as the standard by the Office of Works. The British Museum authorities have not yet taken the same course, owing (I understand) to special difficulties connected with the supply of refreshments there being in the hands of private contractors. The departments have been furnished with all necessary information as to the articles which the Office of Works uses, and as to the prices at which they can be obtained. Arrangements have also been made with the Office of Works' contractors to supply articles to these departments, on their request, at the rates in the contracts with my office.