§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, &c.)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is true that, without consulting Parliament, and while the debt for the very expensive pictures 1307 bought a few years ago is still undischarged, he has consented to giving £25,000 from the Exchequer to enable the National Gallery to pay £55,000 demanded by the owners of three pictures?
§ MR. GOSCHENI have consented, subject, of course, to the approval of Parliament, to contribute £25,000 towards the purchase of three pictures—a Velasquez, a Holbein, and a Moroni, as representations made to me by the highest authorities convinced me that it was most important to secure these -works for the nation. The remaining £30,000 has been guaranteed by private donors, who have come forward with great munificence. Their alacrity in making the offer is a striking and most satisfactory proof of the value attached to these pictures by men who are competent to judge, and ready to back their judgment by personal liberality.
§ SIR G. CAMPBELLI beg to give notice that I shall strenuously oppose the purchase.