HC Deb 19 April 1911 vol 24 cc868-9
Mr. KELLAWAY

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware of the complaints in the Press that the authorities of the British Museum refused to allow information concerning the Huth bequest to be made public except in one particular newspaper; if this partiality was shown with his knowledge and sanction; and, if not, whether he will issue to the responsible officials of the British Museum and of all other institutions supported out of public money directions similar to those recently issued to the director of the National Gallery?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I have had my attention called to the complaints referred to by the hon. Member, but I think that they are due to a misapprehension. The general policy pursued by the British Museum authorities is to send out official notification of any facts requiring to be made public to the Press through the recognised agencies, but to leave newspapers to make their own arrangements for special articles on subjects connected with the Museum. This is what was done in connection with the Huth Bequest. The original notification of the terms of Mr. Huth's will appeared in the Press generally. Detailed information with regard to the volumes acquired by the Museum was necessarily refused to all newspapers until certain doubtful points had been decided by the Court. After the decision on these points had been given, information was given to such newspapers as applied for it, and articles appeared simultaneously in "The Times," the "Daily News," and the "Glasgow Herald."

Mr. KELLAWAY

Would the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question; whether he will issue similar instructions to those issued to the director of the National Gallery?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

No, Sir; they do not appear to be necessary in this case.

Mr. KELLAWAY

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it is necessary to distinguish between newspapers in the way that was done in the case of the National Gallery and in this instance?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

No, Sir; I have pointed out that there was no distinction made in this instance. All the papers were treated similarly.