§ 47. Captain HAROLD BALFOURasked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government has placed any time-limit on their offer to contribute to the purchase price of the Sinai Codex Bible to a total of £50,000; and if, in the event of the public subscriptions not equalling half of the purchase price, any further contribution towards such deficiency will be contemplated by the Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part is at present hypothetical and I need only say that the authorities of the British Museum are confident that the sum required will be subscribed by the public.
§ Sir HERBERT SAMUELWill it be necessary to lay a Supplementary Estimate before the House so that the matter can be debated?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI believe that will be so.
§ Mr. THORNEWill the right hon. Gentleman state the amount of the voluntary contribution which has already been made?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Government are not responsible for that. That is in the hands of the authorities of the British Museum, and I understand they advertise it almost from day to day in the newspapers.
§ Lieut.-Commander AGNEWWill there be a free vote on the Supplementary Estimate?
§ Sir W. DAVISONWho paid the £100,000 which has been handed over to the Russian authorities?
§ The PRIME MINISTERCertainly not the Government.