§ 55. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider the advisability of making a loan for an indefinite period of all the Lane pictures to the Irish Free State?
§ Mr. McNEILLI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given by the Prime Minister in reply to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ripon on the 5th July last, to which I have nothing to add.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs my right hon. Friend aware that while this collection is a matter of only small importance to this country, which is rich in Art Galleries, it is of very great importance to the people of Ireland, and will he not consider a permanent loan which would carry out the testator's wishes, without the need of an extra Act of Parliament, and so earn the gratitude of the people of Ireland?
§ Mr. McNEILLIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman will read my answer, he will find the information for which he asks.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it not a fact that these pictures have attracted little attention in this country, but that the whole of Ireland has expressed the deepest interest in them?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYWill my right hon. Friend not consider the reviewing of the whole of this question?
§ Colonel DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the amount of the loan mentioned in the question?