HC Deb 25 February 1901 vol 89 cc1039-40
CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the National Gallery is closed on Sundays during the winter months; and whether, in view of the dearth of rational recreation in London on Sundays, he will recommend that the present rule be reconsidered

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.

The question of opening the National Gallery on Sundays in winter was carefully con- sidered by the Trustees in 1896. There are no means of lighting the gallery artificially, and the Trustees decided that in view of the frequent deficiency of daylight on winter afternoons in London it was not expedient to open the Gallery on Sundays all the year round.

CAPTAIN DONELAN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the British Museum is open on Sundays all the year round?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Yes; but there are artificial means of lighting there.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

Cannot artificial light be provided in the National Gallery?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I understand that the Trustees are of opinion that it is undesirable to put artificial light into the National Gallery.