Resolution reported: That, for the purpose of any Act of the present Session to establish a National Library in Scotland on the foundation of the Library gifted for that purpose by the Faculty of Advocates and for purposes connected therewith, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of moneys provided by Parliament of (1) any expenses incurred by the Commissioners of Works in connection with the reconstruction, extension, or adaptation, and the repair, maintenance, and insurance of premises to be made available by the Faculty of Advocates for the use of the Trustees of the National Library of Scotland, or with the re-adaptation of such premises for the use of the said Faculty, and of rates and taxes leviable on the said premises during the occupation thereof by the said Trustees; and (2) of any expenses incurred by the said Trustees in carrying the Act into effect, including any salaries or remuneration, superannuation allowances, additional allowances, or gratuity paid to the librarian and other officers of the said Trustees.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution."

Can the learned Solicitor-General give us an assurance as to the amount of the expenditure which is involved in this Resolution? Times are difficult, and public expenditure should be very closely watched and examined. No doubt the amount to be expended may be small, but can we be assured that the demands at present are not serious, and that there will be no further future liability to be considered?

I think I can give my hon. and gallant Friend the assurance for which he asks. The House will remember that the Bill provides for the taking over of the Advocates' Library by the nation without any charge, and in addition there is, owing to the generosity of Sir Alexander Grant, a large endowment, which also will be taken over by the nation, amounting to over £100,000 at the present time. There is no prospect of any immediate large capital expenditure though a new building may be required eventually. The only charges that will require to be met will be certain expenses in connexion with the buildings, and there will also be the expense of providing salaries and superannuation allowances for officials who will be taken over. On the other hand, there is at present a grant of £2,000 from the Exchequer, so that it is estimated that on balance, taking into account the revenue from the endowment, so far as we can judge at the present moment, the Resolution will only involve an immediate additional expenditure of about £1,000 a year.

The remaining Orders were read, and postponed.

It being after half past Eleven o'Clock, Mr. SPEAKER adjourned the House, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.

Adjourned at Sixteen Minutes before Twelve o'Clock.