§ MR. HANKEYasked the First Lord of the Treasury, in the absence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether it is true that a painting by Pietro della Francesca has been purchased for the Nation at the late sale of the Barker Collection for £2,415; and, if so, whether his attention has been called to a letter signed by Mr. J. C. Robinson, in "The Times," dated 8th June, in which that Gentleman states that the painting in question, having been a wreck and ruined beyond redemption by decay, has been entirely re-painted, so that he does not think any portion of the surface as it now is is from the hand of Pietro della Francesca; and if he has any reason to believe that Mr. Robinson's statement is correct; and, further, whether he has seen the same gentleman's letter in this day's "Times?"
§ MR. DISRAELISir, I read the letter to which the hon. Member's Question refers some days ago, and I have also read that which appears in The Times of this morning. When the legitimate occasion offers, and the proposal is made to the House of Commons to vote a sum of money for the purchase of pictures, I shall be ready to make some remarks upon those letters; but I believe it is quite against the rules of the House to enter into a controversy by mere Question and Answer across the Table. Therefore I will merely say that it is quite true that a painting by Pietro della Francesca has been purchased for the nation at the late sale of the Barker Collection for £2,415, and, as the subject has been referred to, I will say that I congratulate the country on having acquired, after a severe competition with some of the first galleries and collections at present in existence, a picture of the most rare and interesting character, and which I think, will add to the beauty and value of the National Collection.