§ MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he is aware that there are at present being exhibited in London seven cartoons, purporting to be designed and executed by Raphael for the Vatican Tapestry; whether these cartoons, discovered in Russia, have been examined by experts and their authenticity inquired into; and whether, if they are found to be genuine works of Raphael, he will consider the expediency of purchasing them for the British nation?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH,) Strand, WestminsterThe Director of the National Gallery has examined the cartoons, or rather paintings on canvas, ascribed to Raphael, and now on exhibition at 4, Cockspur Street, and he does not recommend that they should be purchased for the nation.
§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)What, about their authenticity?
§ [No answer was given.]