§ Mr. ROBERT PEARCEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury has promised, under certain conditions, to subscribe £10,000 towards the purchase of the Duchess of Milan picture?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEYes, Sir. In the event of a subscription being raised to purchase this picture for the nation, and if such subscription falls short of the required amount, the Government are prepared to subscribe a sum not exceeding £10,000 towards making up the balance. I may perhaps refer the hon. Member to a letter which I have written on the subject to Sir Charles Holroyd, the Director of the National Gallery, which was published in the Press on the 6th instant.
Mr. G. D. FABERMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of his Budget proposals, he expects there will be any voluntary subscriptions?