§ 48. Mr. A. M. SAMUELasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the approximate number of framed pictures and drawings at the National Gallery and the Tate Gallery which are not hung on permanent exhibition at those galleries?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Pethick-Lawrence)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him on the 10th July.
§ 50. Captain CAZALETasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any legislation is in contemplation to bring into effect the decision of the trustees of the National Gallery concerning the loaning of English pictures and whether he intends to introduce such legislation at an early date?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEA Bill dealing with loans of pictures abroad is being drafted for early consideration.
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELWill this Measure enable the trustees to lend more pictures for exhibition in the provinces, so that pictures can be devoted to the purposes for which they were painted, instead of being stored away unseen to await exhibition at Trafalgar Square or in the Tate Gallery?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEI am afraid I could not prejudge the terms of a Measure that is not yet prepared.