HC Deb 06 April 1925 vol 182 cc1816-7
50. Mr. GRIFFITHS

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the sale of the Titian Venus and Adonis to America, the Government has been considering how to conserve art treasures in this country?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Guinness)

Yes, Sir. The present Government desire to associate themselves with the statement made by the right hon. Member for Hillhead (Sir R. Horne) in this House on 3rd August, 1922, to which I would refer the hon. Member, as it is too long to quote.

Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

Will the Government again consider the desirability of putting an Export Duty on works of art going out of this country?

Mr. GUINNESS

There is another question on that subject to-day, but, as a matter of fact, the method suggested by the right hon. Member for Hillhead of a schedule of particular pictures with a view to State purchase if necessary has hitherto proved entirely adequate, as, so far, no scheduled picture has been sold.

Mr. GRIFFITHS

May we assume that the Government will take steps to prevent these art treasures becoming a speculative and financial transaction?

Mr. GUINNESS

If the hon. Member will look up the reference which I have given him, he will find the whole policy set out. It is not a subject that is suitable for dealing with by question and answer across the Floor of this House.

Mr. J. RAMSAY MacDONALD

Did the Government consider it worth while putting this particular picture on the list?

Mr. GUINNESS

No; I mentioned that no picture on that list had yet been sold. The National Gallery already possess a picture by Titian of Venus and Adonis.

93. Mr. GEORGE HARVEY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the desirability of imposing an export tax on pictures and objects of art sold by auction or by private treaty?

Mr. GUINNESS

The hon. Member's suggestion has been noted. It is one which has been exhaustively considered on several occasions. On the general question of conserving the art treasures of this country I would refer him to the answer given to-day to the hon. Member for Pontypool.