§ 53. Sir MAURICE DOCKRELLasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that a notice of motion has been given by a member of the Dublin Corporation to the effect that, subject to the approval of the law agent, the pictures and other paraphernalia of or from British kings and their representatives at present in the Mansion House or city hall be disposed of by public auction or by private treaty, and that the moneys so accruing be placed to the credit of the different employing committees in order to retain employés to do the necessary work of the council; and will he, in the event of it being decided to be within the legal competence of the Dublin Corporation to give effect to this motion and of it deciding so to do, acquire on behalf of the Irish National Gallery this valuable and historic collection, and thus prevent its dispersal among private owners?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODMy attention has been drawn to a newspaper report of the proposal to which my hon. Friend 31 refers. I am not prepared without further consideration to take such action as he suggests.
§ Sir M. DOCKRELLWill the right hon. Baronet keep a watching brief in reference to this matter?