HC Deb 01 August 1912 vol 41 cc2493-4

Resolution reported,

"That it is expedient to authorise the payment out of moneys provided by Parliament of a sum for the purposes of any Act of the present Session to provide for the transfer to the Commissioners of Works of certain property of the London Institution for the purposes of a School of Oriental Studies, and for the dissolution of the Institution, and for purposes in connection therewith."

Question proposed, "That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution."

Mr. WATSON RUTHERFORD

I understand the effect of this Bill is to spend £25,000 upon the building in Finsbury Circus. I have taken the trouble to look at the building, which is an excellent building, and it seems to me that anything in the nature of £25,000 spent upon it would have the effect practically of it being pulled down and completely rebuilt.

Mr. PEASE

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. The Bill does not provide for the £25,000 at all. That question will be upon a Vote that will come before Parliament hereafter. All the Bill does is to spend a certain sum of money which has been got from the Treasury.

Mr. WATSON RUTHERFORD

I understand we are not committing ourselves now to anything except the purchase of the site.

Adjourned at Twenty-two minutes before Five o'clock a.m., Friday, 2nd August.