§ Mr. FRANCEasked the President of the Board of Education whether he was yet able to announce any definite reply to the request put before him by a deputation of scientists last autumn that a fitting building should be erected for the accommodation of the collection now in the Science Museum; and whether any steps could be taken to make the present building fireproof?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe matter is still under consideration, but favourable progress has been made by my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of His Majesty's Works, and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement shortly. With regard to the second part of the question, I think it is doubtful whether it would be worth while to spend money on the present building in order to make it what is called fire-proof if a new building is shortly to replace it; but every precaution is taken in the way 6f appliances and supervision to guard against the risk of an outbreak of fire.