§ MR. R. N. FOWLERasked the Vice President of the Council, Whether he is aware that Works of Art for loan exhibition from South Kensington have been publicly exhibited on Sunday; and, whether, in view of the fact that Parliament has repeatedly refused to sanction the opening of the State Museums on Sunday, he will give directions that Works of Art shall be loaned from the South Kensington and other Museums for exhibition only on the condition that they shall not be shown on Sundays so long as South Kensington and other State Museums remain closed?
§ MR. MUNDELLAI am not aware that Works of Art lent by South Kensington have been exhibited on Sunday. No statement to that effect has reached the Department. Our general practice is to make loans to Museums established by, and under the control of, the municipalities or the managers of local Schools of Art; and I should consider it a very improper interference with the rights of municipalities to refuse a loan on the ground suggested by the hon. Member. Since coming down to the House I have heard that the municipal Museums of Manchester and Birmingham are open on Sunday afternoon; but the hon. Member could not expect us to refuse loans to those important centres on that account.