§ LORD GLANTAWEsaid he desired to ask the Questions which stood on the paper in the name of Lord Weardale, viz.: "Whether His Majesty's Government were aware of the grave fire and other risks to which the National Portrait Gallery was exposed by reason of the close proximity of the canteen and prison belonging to St. George's Barracks, whether they would take steps, as in the case of the National Gallery, to isolate the National Portrait Gallery by the transference of those buildings to some other position in the area occupied by the barracks; and whether His Majesty's Government would in the event of a decision to remove the barracks to some other locality, have due regard in the allocation of the vacant space to the claims of the National Portrait Gallery, and the urgent necessity for some increase in the accommodation provided for the National Collection of Portraits?"
§ THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (The Earl of PORTSMOUTH)In reply to the Question which has been addressed to me, I should like to inform the noble Lord that we are not prepared to admit that the proximity of St. George's Barracks to the National Portrait Gallery does involve any greater danger of fire or similar risks than the proximity of other buildings which are also in the neighbourhood. I have gone 295 into the matter very carefully, because I sympathise with the object Lord Weardale has in view. The "Garrick" public-house is nearer to the Gallery than the canteen referred to by my noble friend. However this may be, my noble friend will be glad to hear that, as St. George's Barracks are entirely inadequate and unsuitable for their present purpose as the Central Recruiting Depot in London, another site has been selected in Old Scotland Yard with a view to the provision of new buildings which are to be erected thereon by His Majesty's Office of Works. I should like to inform my noble friend that the recruiting authorities at the War Office are willing on these conditions to vacate St. George's Barracks. We do not wish to raise any difficulty in the way of abandoning St. George's Barracks, but before we do so we must be put in a position of being provided with suitable accommodation elsewhere and in the neighbourhood. I would remind my noble friend that he must direct his further artillery at His Majesty's Office of Works, with a view to getting them to grant the additional accommodation which is demanded by the National Portrait Gallery Trustees. I should like to inform my noble friend that I entirely agree with him, and I hope His Majesty Office of Works will be able to agree.
LORD WEAEDALEI thank my noble friend for the answer he has given on behalf of the War Office, but I desire to point out that the canteen actually abuts the wall of the National Portrait Gallery, and that so late as July 10th last, a fire broke out in the chimney of the canteen, and there was great danger of fire to the National Portrait Gallery itself. There was a large accumulation of debris entered the Gallery. Therefore, it is a matter of urgency and should be dealt with at once. I am well aware that other branches of my inquiry refer to another Department of State, and I would ask the representative of the Board of Works whether he can give us any light whatever with regard to giving further accommodation for the extension of the National Portrait Gallery. I would point out that the erection of the National Portrait Gallery was due to the munificence of a private individual and that all the nation has 296 furnished is a site, and in my judgment a very inadequate grant year after year. Nevertheless a very fine collection of National portraits has been gradually acquired, and if it was unfortunately damaged, it could never be replaced. There seems to be some hope, according to the statements of the Under-Secretary for War, that the Board of Works will at all events allocate to the National Portrait Gallery some portion of the site for the future extension of the Gallery.
§ * LORD ALLENDALEI have been asked by Mr. Harcourt to answer any questions raised on this matter. Fire and other risks have been very present to the First Commissioner's mind for some time, and he is considering a scheme-in conjunction with the War Office and other Departments whereby some of the military buildings may be provided for elsewhere, in consequence of which risk would be diminished and accommodation secured for the future extension of both galleries. I understand that negotiations are proceeding, and it is hoped the scheme may be settled within the course of a few months. I cannot say any more than that. With regard to the canteen to which Lord Weardale has referred, I would remind him it is in a remote corner of the building, and although the prison adjoins the National Portrait Gallery, I believe there are no windows looking into the National Portrait Gallery. The risk in case of fire is not quite so great as it might seem. I can only say that negotiations are proceeding, and it is hoped some arrangements will be made.
LORD WEARDALEWith regard to the prison to which my noble friend has referred, and its proximity to the National Portrait Gallery, I would point out that an unfortunate incident occurred; two years ago. A prisoner escaped and made his way into the National Portrait Gallery, and, by its proximity, was able to get out by the front door and escape altogether. Consequently, there are-other risks besides those of fire.
* THE EARL OF DONOUGHMOREI hope this new building in Scotland Yard will be worthy of the Army. I know that the provision of proper recruiting stations has a most excellent effect in other parts of the country, and I hope the same example will be followed in the 297 case of the new London depot. I think it would be of great interest if the Under-Secretary for War could arrange for a plan of the new buildings to be left in the Library in order that we might see it.
§ THE Earl of PORTSMOUTHI will do what I can.
§ House adjourned at half-past Eight o'clock till To-morrow, Twelve o'clock,