HC Deb 06 March 1928 vol 214 c971
53. Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the dangers to which pictures in the Tate Gallery are subjected by flooding, steps can now be taken to make a loan for an indefinite period of all the Lane pictures to Dublin?

Mr. SAMUEL

The Lane collection is housed in the main galleries, far above any possible flood level. The question, therefore, of transferring the pictures elsewhere for safe custody does not arise.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Does not my hon. Friend consider that this is a judgment of God upon the trustees of the Tate Gallery by causing the destruction of many of these pictures which really belong to Ireland.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Member is giving an opinion, not asking for it?

Lieut.-Colonel LAMBERT WARD

Would it not be possible to sell these pictures and use the proceeds to compensate the Southern Ireland loyalists thereby saving the British taxpayers?