42. Mr. MONTAGUE BARLOWasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the historical collection of British water-colours in the Victoria and Albert Museum has been closed as a whole to students and the general public for nearly two years, pending alterations in the lighting of the galleries; whether the new lighting arrangements have been completed for at least six months; and, if so, what steps are being taken to make the collection again accessible to the public?
Mr. PEASEA considerable part of the historical collection of British water-colours is on exhibition in the east and west cloisters of the North Court, and any picture which is not there exhibited may be seen by any student or member of the public upon application at the Department of Paintings. Arrangements for the permanent exhibition of these watercolours are under consideration, but I cannot make any statement about them at present. I shall be glad to let the hon. Member know when a decision has been reached.
Mr. BARLOWIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a large number of water colours at present not available for the public except on express application, and can arrangements not be made so that they may be on exhibition?
Mr. PEASEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part of the question I am giving the matter my consideration, and I cannot give the hon. Member any definite statement as to the conclusion at which I may arrive.