HC Deb 10 July 1930 vol 241 cc626-7
75. Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the aggregate number of oil paintings and water-colour drawings that are national property at Trafalgar Square and Mill-bank; how many in the aggregate are usually exhibited at any one time in the National Gallery and the Tate Gallery; and how many approximately are at any one given date exhibited on loan in other public galleries in London and the provinces?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

In addition to a large number of drawings in portfolios, the approximate number of framed oil paintings, water colours and other drawings that are national property is 1,850 at the National Gallery and 2,600 at the Tate Gallery respectively. Of these, 1,180 from the National Gallery and 28 from the Tate Gallery are at present on exhibition at the National Gallery and 1,412 are exhibited at the Tate Gallery. Ninety from the National Gallery and 270 from the Tate are on loan. In addition, 580 are available to the public in the reference section of the National Gallery. About 890 are at present stored at the Tate Gallery; but over 600 of them will be exhibited when the new wing is completed and many of the remainder are of slight interest.

Miss RATHBONE

Will the hon. Gentleman give consideration to the possibility of giving fuller facilities to the provinces to make use of this surplus stock of artistic treasure?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

I will look into that.

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

Would it be possible to draw up a list of pictures which have some local interest through subject or authorship; and, if they are not being exhibited in London, to offer them on loan to provincial public galleries where they have a local attraction or connection?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

I will have the matter looked into.