§ MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE (Bristol, E.)To ask the Secretary of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the Act for legalising art unions, the Board of Trade has sanctioned the combination of the schemes for the furtherance of fine arts and for the benefit of the infirmary in Bristol; whether he is aware that the scheme includes the redemption of the prize pictures at their money value by the principal promoter of the scheme, and that an office has been opened in Bristol for the sale of tickets for this scheme without the passing of a special Act of Parliament; and, if so, having regard to 4 Geo. 4, c. 60. s. 41, what action does he propose taking in the matter.
(Answered by Mr. Bonar Law.) The Board of Trade have sanctioned certain alterations in the rules of the Bristol Art Union to enable the drawing this year to be held in connection with the Royal Infirmary Carnival. These alterations do not cover the proposal which has been made by a gentleman who is not, the Board understand, a member of the Art Union Committee for the redemption of the prize pictures. The Board have pointed out to the Committee, who are responsible for the drawings, that they have not sanctioned the proposal in question, and they now learn that it has been withdrawn.