HC Deb 05 July 1948 vol 453 cc33-4
66. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Minister of Works how many pictures have been purchased by his Department from the Royal Academy exhibition this year; what is the total cost involved, and for what buildings the pictures have been acquired.

Mr. Key

Nine pictures were bought at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, 1948, at a total cost of £234 14s. They will be hung in embassies and legations, official residences and office buildings which are furnished by my Department.

Sir J. Mellor

Who selects these pictures?

Mr. Key

I have the services of a part-time art expert. [Laughter.] It is a surprising thing how some people regard themselves as experts on jobs they know nothing about. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] It evidently amuses some hon. Members that I should obtain an expert to advise me, which I have done for the purpose of providing the best services within my power for the Department.

Brigadier Head

Is the Minister aware that if he wishes to encourage the visual arts he can go to many better places than the Royal Academy, and would it not be much better to have the advice of a whole-time expert on these questions?

Mr. Key

I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that we go to other places to secure pictures for the purposes for which they are wanted.

Mr. E. P. Smith

Will the right hon. Gentleman circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of the pictures and artists?

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Has my right hon. Friend sent his representatives to have a look at the open-air exhibition on the Embankment?