HC Deb 25 July 1950 vol 478 cc245-6
50. Sir J. Mellor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why, and by what authority a number of French paintings have been requisitioned from the Tate Gallery for the National Gallery; and where are they now exhibited.

Sir S. Cripps

I am advised that the paintings in question vest by law in the Trustees and Director of the National Gallery, who considered that they should be transferred to Trafalgar Square to offset the loss of 19th century French paintings resulting from the removal of the Gulbenkian Collection and of certain pictures belonging to the Courtauld Institute. The pictures transferred from the Tate Gallery are now on exhibition at Trafalgar Square.

Sir J. Mellor

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether they were not very well shown in the Tate Gallery, and were they not removed in the face of strong objection by the Tate Gallery trustees?

Sir S. Cripps

I am not in a position to say what is the view of the Tate Gallery trustees, but they were removed under the right of ownership as they belong to the Trustees and Director of the National Gallery.

Mr. Eden

May I ask whether this removal is in accordance with the terms of the Massey Report, which resulted from a long investigation in relation to these galleries? From the point of view of the public it seems unfortunate if galleries have differences of this kind about showing national treasures.

Sir S. Cripps

I cannot say without inquiry whether it is in accordance with the Massey Report, but circumstances have changed since then, owing to the changes which I mentioned in the answer.

Mr. W. Fletcher

Cannot arrangements be made so that from time to time these paintings can be returned to the gallery with which they have so long been associated?

Sir S. Cripps

I do not think that one can force that on the galleries. They take the legal position which I have mentioned.

Sir J. Mellor

The right hon. Gentleman said that he did not know what was the attitude of the Tate Gallery. Why did he not consult the Tate Gallery trustees before answering this Question?

Sir S. Cripps

Because it has nothing to do with me.