§ 47. Sir HENRY SLESSERasked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the continuous wastage and loss of historic manuscripts, works of art, and ancient buildings which is sustained by the country owing to their sale and export or destruction, he will appoint a Committee to consider and report upon the whole question?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLHis Majesty's Government are alive to the importance of this question. In so far as it relates to works of art, it was, as the hon. and learned Member will be aware, investigated fully by Lord Curzon's Committee 1839 in 1915, and the Prime Minister is not satisfied that there is any case for a further examination of this aspect of the subject or for a change of the present arrangements. My right hon. Friend is calling for reports with regard to historic manuscripts and ancient buildings.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider putting a heavy export tax on certified works of art?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have completed my statement of financial proposals for this year.