§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that certain of the antiquities entrusted to the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland for public exhibition are kept in storage contrary to the donors' intentions; and if he will amend the law so as to prohibit this practice.
§ Mr. MaclayI am not aware that any objects donated to the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland have been kept in storage contrary to the donors' intentions. The trustees keep on permanent exhibition a high proportion of their collection, including all objects of outstanding historical or æsthetic interest. But it has long been the policy of the trustees to explain to prospective donors that no guarantee of perpetual exhibition can be given.