§ 69. Mr. GILBERTasked the First Commissioner of Works the hours of opening the library at the British Museum; and if he will consider, in the 414 interest of readers and students, whether any extension of the existing hours can be granted?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe reading room is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. I have not at present any evidence of a sufficient demand for an extension of the existing hours to justify the extra expense involved.
§ 70. Mr. GILBERTasked the First Commissioner of Works whether it is proposed to discharge the trained firemen who are now engaged at the British Museum; and, if so, will he state the reason why; and whether, considering the value of the national property stored in this museum, he will consider the necessity of having efficient firemen always employed on this building?
§ Mr. BALDWINNo changes are at present contemplated in the fire-preventtion staff at the British Museum. The protection of the national collections there from the risk of fire is the subject of special regulations of the trustees.