§ 5. Colonel Gomme-Duncanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland will be restored to its proper use; where the portraits normally exhibited there are presently stored; and what steps are being taken to ensure that no deterioration takes place.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Westwood)The Scottish National Portrait Gallery will be restored to its proper use as soon as it becomes possible to find alternative accommodation for the National Registration Office, which at present occupies most of the Gallery. I hope that 1114 it may be possible to find this alternative accommodation when temporary office buildings, now in course of construction, are completed. Meantime the collection of pictures is stored in an unoccupied part of the Gallery and is regularly inspected and cared for by the picture restoration section of the National Galleries.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanCan the right hon. Gentleman say roughly when the temporary buildings are likely to be ready?
§ Mr. WestwoodBecause of difficulties which cropped up in connection with materials and labour, I would not like to fix a date, but I am very hopeful that they may be ready by the beginning of next year.
§ Sir Wavell WakefieldWould it not be possible for people in England to have a look at the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland during the time when it is not available to the public in Scotland?
§ Mr. WestwoodI think it would be of very great help to them if that could be done. Certainly, during the time of the musical festival in Edinburgh, there is no reason why English men and women should not visit Scotland en masse to see its beauties and also its pictures.