HC Deb 22 February 1938 vol 332 cc192-3
53. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether in view of the fact that the trustees of the National Gallery have not adduced the name of any expert prepared to assert that the so-called Giorgione panels, on which £10,615 of public money has been expended, were in fact painted by that artist, he will take powers to ensure in future that the trustees shall not purchase works of art out of public funds unless satisfactory expert evidence to support the purchase is forthcoming?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

As I stated in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for East Dorset (Mr. Hall Caine) on 10th February, the Purchase of Pictures Grant-in-Aid is placed at the disposal of the trustees of the National Gallery for the acquisition of such pictures as in the light of all the circumstances they consider most to the advantage of the Gallery. Whether a particular picture should be acquired is entirely at the discretion of the trustees. The experience of many years has shown how greatly this system has enured to the benefit of the nation, and I see no ground for altering it and fettering the trustees in the exercise of their discretion.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Is it not the case that, if the trustees do not consult experts before purchasing, a great waste of public money might ensue?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

No, Sir, the point really is that the trustees, in the exercise of their discretion, have built up a collection which is second to none in the world, and I do not think that the general public would wish that their discretion should be fettered by regulations in the way suggested.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir A. Lambert Ward

Is it not the fact that the opinions of experts differ very much as to the genuineness of this article?

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

In view of the nature of these replies, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment of the House at a suitable opportunity.