§ 20. Sir C. COBBasked the First Commissioner of Works whether, as owing to faulty architectural construction it is not possible to light effectively the new Italian rooms at the National Gallery in daytime, he will state what course he proposes to adopt in order that the public may see the pictures in daylight hours in these rooms?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI assume that my hon. Friend is alluding to the Duveen Gallery which was opened four years ago. I am not prepared to accept the view that the natural lighting of this room is ineffective for the exhibition of Italian pictures. On dark days electric light is now available, and I do not consider therefore that the conditions warrant any scheme of reconstruction. I understand, however, that the Director proposes to rehang some of the darker toned pictures now in the Duveen room elsewhere, and to substitute other brighter pictures in their place.