§ MR. CHIOZZA MONEYI beg to ask the Prime Minister if his attention has been directed to the fact that the number of academicians of the Royal Academy of Arts is at the present time forty, or the same as when the Academy was founded in 1768, although the number of British artists has multiplied probably tenfold in the 139 years which have elapsed; whether he is aware that the consequent small chance of election as academicians is a real hardship to many men of recognised talent; and whether he can see his way, in view of the responsibilities of the Royal Academy, and in the interests of British Art, to make representations to the institution on the subject.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. ASQUITH,, for Sir H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN) Fife, E.As my hon. friend is probably aware, the Government have no control over the Royal Academy, and therefore my right hon. friend can hardly undertake to make the representations suggested in the Question.