§ 51. Sir C. COBBasked the First Commissioner of Works whether a decision has yet been arrived at about the structure of St. John's Lodge, Regent's Park; and whether he will consider exhibiting at St. John's Lodge some of the best of the Turner drawings now stored and un- 1749 seen at the Tate Gallery, together with other national property stored in the cellars of the Tate and National Galleries?
§ 52. Lieut.-Colonel MOOREasked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in order to make use of the empty mansion house of St. John's Lodge, Regent's Park, he will consider utilising it as a national home for a representative collection of Turner's works, and thereby render his pictures more accessible to the general public than they are at present?
§ Mr. BLINDELLNo decision has yet been arrived at about the future of St. John's Lodge. I am afraid that the suggestion in regard to the Turner drawings is not practicable, as the building could not easily be made a suitable place for the exhibition of pictures without the expenditure of a considerable sum on structural alterations and redecoration. I should add that the Turner drawings are now under the control of the Trustees of the British Museum and are housed at the British Museum, where they can be inspected on application to the Keeper of the Prints and Drawings Department.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOOREIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there are some 15,000 Turner pictures and drawings throughout the country, scattered in various places and inaccessible to the public, and could not a number of those 15,000 be concentrated in St. John's Lodge without disturbing the National Gallery or other collections?
§ Mr. BLINDELLI will convey my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion to my right hon. Friend.