39. Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLENasked the First Commissioner of Works, if, in view of the failure of the daylight-lighting schemes in the new rooms at the National Gallery now used for exhibiting pictures, he will submit to the Trustees a revised architectural design involving the demolition of parts of the rooms and their re-erection by his Department, so that they may be lighted in such a manner that their contents may be easily visible during the day time?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend is alluding exclusively to the new Duveen Room, the natural lighting of which, on dark days, is open to criticism. I have authorised certain minor alterations in order to improve the lighting, but the Trustees take the view that conditions do not warrant a scheme of general reconstruction.
§ Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind the fact that, when pictures are put into a room it is necessary that people should be able to see them?