§
Resolution reported,
That, for the purpose of any Act of the present Session relating to finance, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of moneys provided by Parliament of any expenses incurred by the director of any museum
1278
or gallery, the expenses of which are defrayed out of moneys provided by Parliament, in connection with the exemption of sculptures and other works of art from customs duties.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution."
§ 9.13 p.m.
§ Mr. KellyI do not take exception to this matter, but I want to ask whether any provision is made so that when works of art come into this country they will 1279 be cared for and not be left, like many of the pictures in the Tate Gallery, to deteriorate until they become a loss to the whole community.
§ 9.14 p.m.
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)I understand that the hon. Member does not wish to question the wisdom of this Resolution, but that he asks a question in regard to the care of objects of art. So far as this Resolution is concerned, there is no provision for the after-care of objects of art after they reach their destination in this country. That must be left to the good taste and good sense of those who are responsible. I do not think I should be in order on this Resolution in discussing pictures in the Tate Gallery. There are trustees for that institution, who do their work very well indeed.