§ MR. C. E. PRICE (Edinburgh, Central)To ask the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been called to the statement made in Edinburgh by the Earl of Stair, that the trustees under the will of the late Lord Melville had been prevented from carrying out the terms of the trust in reference to the restoration of Holyrood Chapel, Edinburgh; and whether he proposes taking any action in the matter.
(Answered by Mr. Harcourt.) My attention has been called to the statement of the Earl of Stair, which was probably made under some misapprehension. The executors of Lord Leven's will believed that the legal formalities connected with the probate of the estate 845 required an application to the King for a formal decision on the question of the restoration of Holyrood. In view of all the surrounding circumstances, and in consequence of the refusal to act by the persons designated to carry out this portion of the will, I felt it my duty to advise His Majesty that I should, on his behalf, decline to give permission for the work. As the Minister charged with the maintenance of the fabric I accept full responsibility for the advice which I tendered to His Majesty. I propose to take no further action in the matter, which is now closed.