§ 31. Rear-Admiral BEAMISHasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what is the intention in regard to the use to be made of the Geological Museum in Piccadilly; and where the Geological Museum is in future to be housed?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONProvision has been taken in the current year's Estimates for the erection of a new Geological Museum on a site adjoining the Natural History Museum at South Kensington. When this building has been completed, the disposal of the existing premises in Jermyn Street will rest with the Commissioners of Crown Lands, who are the freeholders.
§ Rear-Admiral BEAMISHWill the hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of putting: the existing building into a good state of repair and utilising it for the Imperial War Museum?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI believe the Ministry of Agriculture is the Department to which my hon. and gallant Friend should refer, but I will mention the matter to my right hon. Friend in charge of that Department.
§ Sir FREDRIC WISEWill the cost of this museum come on the nation?