HC Deb 20 March 1917 vol 91 cc1732-3
55. Mr. BYRNE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the circumstances of the loss to Dublin of Sir Hugh Lane's collection of pictures now in the London National Gallery; if he is aware that Sir Hugh Lane's death was caused by a German torpedo; is it the intention of the trustees of the National Gallery to benefit London by the sinking of the "Lusitania"; if he is aware that the codicil to his will, unwitnessed, expressed the real wishes of Sir Hugh as to the disposal of his collection of pictures, and that the codicil which is in his own handwriting is to the effect that the pictures were to go to Dublin; if he will request the London National Gallery, in the interest of justice and equity, to restore the pictures to Dublin; and, if legislaion is required to allow of this being done, will he take the necessary steps to meet the requirements of the law and introduce a Bill without delay?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am informed that it cannot be assumed as certain that the unwitnessed codicil represents the final intention of the testator. In any case the National Gallery trustees must be guided in any action they take by their obligations as trustees, and I have no authority to ask them to relinquish that small portion of Sir Hugh Lane's collection which was definitely bequeathed to them. There are grave objections against special legislation of the character referred to in the last part of the question.

Mr. BYRNE

Am I to understand from that answer that the London National Gallery are going to hold up these pictures from the city of Dublin and are the trustees of the National Gallery going to be so mean and contemptible as to accept these pictures considering that Sir Hugh Lane really bequeathed them to Dublin?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am told that that does not represent the facts or all the facts. The trustees think they have obligations as trustees and they have no power to hand them over.

Mr. FLAVIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is throughout the whole of Ireland a very strong feeling that these pictures, which belonged to that very illustrious art critic, Sir Hugh Lane, ought to be retained for the benefit of the Irish people?