HC Deb 20 December 1933 vol 284 cc1315-6
Lord BALNIEL

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the fourth century manuscript known as the Codex Sinaiticus, formerly in the possession of the Tsar of Russia, which is one of the oldest and most famous manuscripts of the Bible, and of paramount importance for the establishment of the text, has been offered for sale by the Soviet Government to the Trustees of the British Museum, who regard it as essential that it should be acquired for the nation; and whether the Government is prepared to assist the Trustees to secure it?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, Sir. The Trustees of the British Museum have, with the approval of His Majesty's Government, agreed to buy the Codex Sinaiticus at a price of £100,000. His Majesty's Government have undertaken to make a special contribution towards the purchase price, of one pound for every pound subscribed by the public, and I understand that an immediate appeal will be made to the public by the Trustees, In due course, Parliament will be asked to vote the share of the purchase price falling on the Exchequer.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is the Prime Minister aware that the British Museum was itself started by means of a lottery and does he not think—

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question.

Sir W. DAVISON

On a point of Order. I desire to make a suggestion and to ask the Prime Minister—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Gentleman knows that it is not in order to make a suggestion; he must ask a question.

Sir W. DAVISON

I desired to ask the Prime Minister to consider the point which I raised rather than to put this matter on to a public fund.

Mr. TINKER

On a further point of Order. Should not the question which was asked by Private Notice have been put upon the Order Paper because there is no special urgency about it in order that we might have had time to examine it?

Mr. SPEAKER

The question was submitted to me and my sanction, to be put as a Private Notice Question, and I satisfied myself that, in view of the fact that the House will adjourn to-morrow and there would not have been sufficient time for it to be dealt with and answered in the ordinary way, it was of sufficient urgency for me to allow it to be put.

Mr. MAXTON

Will there be an opportunity to debate this when the Vote is before the House?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, Sir.