§ 58. Sir W. SUGDENasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that famous historical and national books, pictures, and works of art are now being sold by proprietors of industrial concerns to Americans to enable them to pay Income and other Taxes; and whether he can make provision by legislation that such works come to national 613 or municipal collections at a fair and equitable price by method of valuation to prevent them passing out of the country altogether?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThis question has been considered by the Trustees of the National Gallery, who advised against the legislation suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.
§ Sir W. SUGDENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the system that obtains in France and Italy, which has, in respect of the taxation of both countries, an almost infinitesimal effect upon the taxpayers?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am fully aware of that legislation, but the whole question was considered by the Trustees of the National Gallery and the Government, and they did not think it was necessary in this case.