ART AND SCIENCE BUILDINGS, GREAT BRITAIN.—Class I. (Hansard, 18 April 1918)

§ Mr. WHITEHOUSE
I desire to put a a question with regard to the British Museum, some portion of the expenses of which is taken on this Vote. I want to ask whether the decision to close the Museum was one to which the right hon. Gentleman had to give his assent, and whether it is within his power department-ally to suggest to the War Cabinet that it should be reopened? When it was decided to close it, it was decided mainly, I think, as part of a general scheme of war economy, but I do not think anyone will wish to challenge the statement that if it had been realised that it meant closing the Museum for three or four years no one would have assented to this small economy being effected at such a heavy educational loss. The longer the British Museum remains closed the greater the educational loss to this country, and it becomes a matter of increasing urgency that it should be reopened. I want to take this, the only opportunity that arises during the year, to ask the First Commissioner what his attitude is towards the reopening of the British Museum? Public sentiment was outraged not long ago by the proposal to use it for one of the great combatant Departments. I want to ask him whether, now that that proposal is defeated, he will suggest, as the Minister responsible to the War Cabinet, in the highest permanent educational interests of the country, that the British Museum should be reopened.

§ Sir A. MOND
The hon. Member must be aware that the decision of the Cabinet to close the British Museum was taken long before I took office. He asked me whether I was consulted in the matter. Obviously not. The question of the reopening is an entirely different matter. No one shares more thoroughly the appreciation of museums and their educational value. No one regrets more than I do, for many reasons, that these museums are not available both to the people of this country and to those who come from overseas, many of whom have been deprived of the only opportunity of seeing some of our greatest art possessions. But most Members will, I think, realise that there are reasons why it would be very unwise—in fact, almost impossible—to reopen the British Museum at present; and as far as I am concerned, although my advice has 616 nothing to do with the matter, which is one for the trustees of the British Museum and the Cabinet—I am not responsible except for the maintenance of the fabric—certainly I should not give any advice which would lead to the reopening of the Museum at present.

§ Mr. HOGGE
I have not the same concern for the reopening of the British Museum as my hon. Friend; in fact, I do not mind confessing that I have never been in the British Museum in my life, which shows that one can get on without the British Museum just as one can get on without other public buildings. I do not see the necessity, particularly in time of war, for the reopening of any building of that nature which is shut up. It is far better to keep them shut and reopen them when we have the peace celebrations. But I got up to ask about this reference to the money provided for the Royal Scottish Museum. It is in italics, and I am not quite sure what it means, but as it is Scottish money I am rather anxious to know. Does it mean that this sum of £3,500, which was voted in 1917–18, is not being spent, but is being held up because some of the works are not in operation? If not, what is the precise reason, and what is being done with the money? I understand from observation that several of the buildings in Edinburgh connected with the museum have been stopped, but if my right hon. Friend can tell us whether, stopped or not stopped, this money is still available when the proper moment comes for the purpose, and will not go back to the Treasury to be absorbed, I should be glad.

§ Sir A. MOND
The money is not available because it has been spent and the works have been completed.