§ 11. Mr. Keelingasked the Minister of Works whether, before the new House and its ancillary rooms are opened, he will consider the re-arrangement, cleaning and lighting of the pictures now in the Palace of Westminster; the removal of pictures of little artistic merit or historic interest; and the addition of other pictures.
§ Mr. StokesA small staff of artist restorers is at work on the cleaning of the pictures. Any necessary rearrangement had better be deferred until the picture requirements of the new accommodation are more clearly known. The removal of old pictures or the acquisition of new pictures is not entirely for me, but, like my predecessors, I am always prepared to consider offers of gifts of suitable pictures from Members or others, particularly if they are of historic or artistic importance to Parliament.
§ Mr. KeelingIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that whatever we may think of his political judgment we are not unhopeful of his aesthetic taste?
§ Mr. StokesI am greatly encouraged by that supplementary question.
§ Earl WintertonDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean by the phrase "is not entirely for me" that authority over these matters, as in so many other questions appertaining to the House, is divided between himself, Mr. Speaker and the Lord Great Chamberlain?
§ Mr. StokesThat is precisely what I did mean.
§ Earl WintertonHas the right hon. Gentleman any intention of introducing legislation to put an end to this most ridiculous and anomalous state of affairs?
§ Mr. StokesI had not thought of it, but now that the noble Lord has suggested it, I will consider it.