HC Deb 02 December 1912 vol 44 c1884
95. Sir HILDRED CARLILE

asked the Under - Secretary of State for India whether, in future, when commissioning State portraits of the retiring Viceroys to be painted, the commissions may be placed in the hands of British portrait painters when, as is now the case, there is as much ability for such work in this country as in any other?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Harold Baker)

It is the practice that the retiring Viceroy selects the artist by whom he is to be painted; and the Secretary of State sees no reason for imposing the restriction suggested by the hon. Member.

Sir HILDRED CARLILE

Could it not be suggested to retiring Viceroys that it would be as well under these conditions to employ British instead of foreign artists?

Mr. HAROLD BAKER

As the portrait is presented, I think full discretion must be left.

Sir J. D. REES

Why not a British-Indian artist?