HC Deb 30 June 1927 vol 208 cc574-5
62. Mr. JOHNSTON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware that the only historical picture in St. Stephen's Hall representing an incident in Scottish history deals with an act of national humiliation subsequent to the boycott of the Darien scheme by the English Government; and whether any other subject illustrative of an episode in Scots history was considered?

Captain HACKING (for the First Commissioner of Works)

The subjects for the paintings in St. Stephen's Hall, depicting the Building of Britain were selected after much consideration by an eminent historian, and approved by my Noble Friend, the First Commissioner of Works, who considers that the Act of Union, so far from implying any humiliation, was a striking exhibition of the good sense of both countries.

Mr. JOHNSTON

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the advisability of affixing a tablet to that picture giving the names of the Scottish peers who were acting as Commissioners, and the amount of monetary bribes they received from the English Government for this act of national humiliation?

Captain HACKING

The names of the Commissioners are to be found in the Landbook, which can be purchased at the price of 1s. There is no suggestion, in the picture at any rate, that any money passed into the hands of the Commissioners. If any such opportunity had been given to Scotsmen, I am quite certain they would have availed themselves of it.

Mr. JOHNSTON

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman himself in possession of the facts with regard to the amount of monetary bribes these Commissioners received, and does he think it desirable that that act of humiliation should be the sole subject of Scottish history represented in St. Stephen's Hall?

Mr. MacLAREN

Would the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider a suggestion, to placate Scottish patriots, that we should have a painting showing the little altercation that took place at Bannock-burn between Robert the Bruce and De Bohun?

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Is it not the fact that even this picture will not keep Scots away from London?

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