§ 38. Captain Charles Waterhouseasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what are the Government's proposals for 1623 the future of the exhibition, "Parliament Past and Present," which was displayed last year in the Grand Committee Room.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterHer Majesty's Government have considered the future of this Exhibition, which has recently been shown at the Van Riebeeck Exhibition. The Hansard Society have asked to be allowed to assume responsibility for the Exhibition and use it as a feature of their educational work, especially amongst young people; and the Government, appreciating the value of the work of this Society, propose to present the Exhibition to it.
A Treasury Minute setting out the circumstances of the gift has been laid before the House and published as a Command Paper. In accordance with precedent the Government's formal authority for the gift will not be conveyed until 14 days from the presentation of the Minute.
Mr. Glenvil HallWould the hon. Gentleman tell us what is the value of this gift? I am not objecting to it; but I think that it would be of interest to know that, in view of the proposed saving on the Kensington and other Museums.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe original value of the Exhibition, which, of course, was a capital cost, was about £20,000. Its breakdown value today would probably be something under half that figure.