72. Mr. HAZLETONasked the Prime Minister if his attention has been drawn to a memorial signed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dublin, the president of University College, National University of Ireland, the Resident Commissioner of National Education and chairman of the Board of Intermediate Education, the president of the Royal 1427 Irish Academy, the president of the Arts and Crafts Society of Ireland, the president of the Royal Hibernian Academy, the president of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, the president of the Royal Society of Antiquaries, the president of the Royal College of Physicians, the director of the National Gallery of Ireland, the principal of Alexandra College, Dublin, the director of the Dublin Municipal Technical Schools, the headmaster of the Metropolitan School of Art, Dublin, a senator of the National University of Ireland, and the librarian of the National Library of Ireland, addressed to the Trustees of the National Gallery, London, expressing the hope that the trustees will carry out the wishes of the late Sir Hugh Lane, as expressed in the uncompleted codicil to his will, concerning the pictures collected by him now held in London, which Sir Hugh Lane desired to present to Dublin; and whether he will make representations to the trustees in favour of the request contained in this memorial?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I am advised that the powers of the trustees are regulated by Statute, and this is not a matter in which I am entitled to intervene.
Mr. HAZLETONIs the Prime Minister aware that there is a Bill before the House of Lords at present which is promoted by the Trustees of the National Gallery, and will the Government endeavour to have a Clause to this effect inserted in that Bill?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWhen the Bill comes down here Amendments can be moved.
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo. I think that is not a matter for the Government. It is a matter for the House.