§ 45. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Prime Minister whether, in the light of his discussions with the representatives 877 of Eire, he will make a statement about the future custody and exhibition of the Lane pictures.
§ The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)I have been asked to reply. No, Sir. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister took part in no discussions on this subject during his recent visit to Eire.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeIs not my right hon. Friend aware that some discussions took place when representatives from Eire were in this country? It is those discussions to which I am referring. Will my right hon. Friend answer the Question in the light of that fact?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat is so; there were some rather informal discussions on the matter when the Prime Minister of Eire was here on an earlier occasion, but I am afraid I am unable to say when a statement will be made on this somewhat complex matter.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeWill my right hon. Friend continue to bear in mind that we are under a moral obligation to take some positive action over this question?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat, of course, prejudices the issue.
Mr. H. D. HughesIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is a room standing idle in the Municipal Gallery, Dublin, waiting for these pictures, that this issue is a source of feeling between the citizens of Eire and of this country, and it would be valuable to our relations if an early settlement could be reached?
§ Mr. MorrisonIt so happens that I am very well versed in all the details of this matter, and I have read many papers about it. In fact, I have read so many and I am so well versed that I would not like to make any dogmatic observation upon it.
§ Mr. John LewisWould my right hon Friend clear up one matter which arose upon a supplementary question of my hon. Friend the Member for Bedford (Mr. Skeffington-Lodge)? In the opinion of the Government, to whom do these pictures belong?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat is a question which I would not like to answer.