§ Mr. GULLANDasked the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been called to the recent Report of the Royal Scottish Museum, in which the danger to the museum by the proximity of spirit stores is again stated; and whether he is taking any action to prevent the possible risk of fire?
§ Mr. MUNRO FERGUSONasked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view of the grave danger involved to the Royal Scottish Museum by the inflammable nature of the spirit stores, which approach within six feet of this great collection, he intends to take steps to remove those dangerous buildings?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Lewis Harcourt)As this question (No. 51) and the succeeding one are practically identical, my hon. Friends will perhaps allow me to answer them together. I have long been aware of the danger to the Royal Scottish Museum from the neighbouring spirit stores, and I am glad to say that, after prolonged negotiations, I have within the last few weeks succeeded in purchasing the site. I cannot, however, obtain complete possession until Whit-Sunday, 1910, but as soon as possible after that date the site will be cleared.