§ Mr. GRANTasked the President of the Board of Education whether he can now state an approximate date when the stained glass windows which were removed for repairs eighteen months ago will be replaced on the north-western staircase of the Victoria and Albert Museum, and when the restoration of the ceiling decorations and the re-painting of the walls, in accordance with the original scheme of colouring, of the lecture theatre gallery, containing the art collection known as the Jones Collection, will be 903W finished and this gallery be opened to the public?
Mr. PEASEThe Committee appointed to advise as to the treatment of the staircase recommended that should the stained glass windows be found to interfere too much with the light, they should be replaced with windows of a lighter design. One of the windows had been temporarily replaced on the staircase and observations are being taken as to its effect upon the light. Arrangements have been made for the restoration of the ceiling, but I cannot say when the redecoration will be complete, as the Committee found themselves unable to make recommendations until the purpose for which is was to be used is settled. I asked the Advisory Council for the Victoria and Albert Museum to advise me and they reported in favour of the allocation of the gallery to the Jones Collection. I have decided to adopt the Advisory Council's recommendations, and am in communication with the Office of Works with regard to the best means of carrying them out.