§ Motion made, and Question proposed,
§ 2. "That a sum, not exceeding £84,935, be granted to His Majesty, to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending the 31st day of March, 1916r for the Salaries and other Expenses of the British Museum, and of the Natural History Museum, including certain Grants in Aid." [NOTE.—£70,000 has been voted on account.]
§ Mr. KINGI notice that in connection with the Museum at South Kensington they are spending £316 more on police than they did last year. In most of the offices and public buildings less money is being spent on police because there is no longer any danger in connection with the Suffragette outrages, and it has been possible, and a large reduction has actually been effected, in a number of cases in connection with the police.
§ Mr. LEWISIn the absence of the Financial Secretary I should say that in all probability the increase is occasioned by the necessity of taking additional precautions for protection against fire, and we all know that in the exceptional circumstances of the present time that is a precaution which cannot be safely or wisely neglected.
§ Mr. KINGThat is a very ingenious reply, but in the National Gallery, where you really have got much more reason to guard against fire than in South Kensington, the reverse is the case. It is not at all a satisfactory answer, and I advise the right hon. Gentleman not to draw his bow at a venture at other times.
§ Question put, and agreed to.