HC Deb 06 February 1930 vol 234 cc2069-70
47. Captain CAZALET

asked the Prime Minister whether he has sent any communication to the trustees of the National Gallery with regard to ascertaining their views as to the advisability of introducing legislation which would permit the loaning of pictures now in the National and Tate Galleries?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Pethick-Lawrence)

The Trustees have been asked by the Treasury to submit their views on all the recommendations of the Royal Commission that involve legislation, including the question of loans abroad.

Captain CAZALET

Would it not be advisable to get a decision on this matter before the Italian Exhibition closes?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

I cannot add anything at the moment to the answer I have given.

48. Captain CAZALET

asked the Prime Minister whether any condition was laid down that the loan restriction regulation in force with regard to pictures at the National and Tate Galleries should not apply to those pictures which have been, or will in future be, purchased by the aid of contributions from the National Exchequer?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

The restriction with regard to loans abroad at present applies to all pictures belonging to or under the control of the Trustees, whether purchased by the aid of Exchequer, contributions or acquired otherwise. But the rule that pictures lent to galleries in this country cannot be lent until a certain period after the date of acquisition, only applies to pictures acquired under a gift or bequest.

Captain CAZALET

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that, during the Debate in this House a few months ago on the question of granting money from the Exchequer to buy these pictures, he himself said that this question of pictures which were given to the National Gallery by contributions from the Exchequer was altogether different?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

The picture acquired then is now at the Italian Exhibition.

Captain CAZALET

Is it proposed to extend the rule to all pictures in future which are bought under similar conditions?

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Would not the hon. Gentleman include the Lane Collection, which has been taken by the Government?