§ Mr. T. SMITHasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the Government's intention of restoring the French pictures of the late Sir Hugh Lane to Dublin, in accordance with the wishes expressed in a codicil to his will which he signed shortly before he was drowned in the "Lusitania," but which was not witnessed; and whether, if legislation for that purpose is necessary, the Government propose to bring in a Bill to enable this to be carried out?
Mr. THOMASI have been asked to take this question. His Majesty's Government have decided to appoint a Committee consisting of three competent and impartial persons to report whether in their opinion Sir Hugh Lane, when he signed the codicil to which the hon. Member refers thought that he was making a legal disposition, and, if so, whether it is proper that, in view of the international character of the matter at issue, the legal defect in the codicil should be remedied by legislation. I hope shortly to be in a position to communicate to the House the names of the three persons to be appointed to serve on the Committee.