HC Deb 21 March 1912 vol 35 cc2076-7
Mr. KING

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he proposes to extend to Members of this House an invitation to the opening of the London Museum?

LORD of the TREASURY (Mr. Wedgwood Benn)

The invitations have been issued by the trustees and I understand that as space is limited the invitations are restricted to donors and to those who have some official connection with the county or are specially interested in the archaeology of London.

Mr. KING

As Members of Parliament are making the history of London, will they be allowed to have a special opportunity of visiting this interesting museum?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies authorises me to say that if for any reason Kensington Palace cannot be immediately reopened to the public, he will be happy to arrange an early day, probably next week, on which Members of both Houses of Parliament can be admitted to see the collection.

Mr. WHITEHOUSE

asked whether it is proposed to make any statement to the House as to the scope of the new London Museum and the scheme of government proposed?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN

The Secretary of State for the Colonies, who is one of the trustees, informs me that he will be glad to give the hon. Member any information he desires.

Mr. WHITEHOUSE

Will he give it to the House?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN

The museum is under private trustees, and no doubt the proper course for anybody to pursue will be to apply to those trustees.