HC Deb 04 February 1954 vol 523 cc559-60
58. Mr. Edelman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that unauthorised purchases have been made by the director of the Tate Gallery, and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have seen the statement issued by the Trustees of the Tate Gallery on 26th January relating to purchases in recent years of works which were not fully within the terms of the particular Trust funds out of which they were bought. These purchases were made onthe authority of the Trustees, and not of the Director, as the hon. Member's Question might suggest. The statement indicated that the Trustees had made arrangements to rectify the position. The administration of these Trust funds is the responsibility of the Trustees.

Mr. Edelman

Is it not the case that it is not long since the Chancellor of the Exchequer was himself obliged to reprimand the Director of the Tate Gallery for certain irregularities in the conduct of the Gallery? Is it not also the case that the new irregularities now exposed have caused widespread public disquiet? In those circumstances, will the right hon. Gentleman consult his right hon. Friend with a view to the holding of an inquiry into the general conduct and administration of the TateGallery, which does depend upon the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I agree that the administration of great national institutions like this is a matter of very proper concern, but if the hon. Gentleman will study the statement which has been made he will see that the Trustees are taking most vigorous action to put right errors which appear to have occurred over a good many years. I think that in the circumstances they should be allowed to get on with their job.

Mr. Wyatt

Is not the Minister aware that these irregularities were first strongly denied by the Trustees of the Gallery, and that they were only brought out by letters in "The Times" and the "Spectator"? As the Trustees cannot, apparently, be trusted to administer private bequests to the Gallery, would it not be as well if the Government were to withdraw that part of the National Art Collections Bill which will give them the power to sell pictures which belong to the Gallery as and when they think fit?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I hopethe hon. Gentleman will not seek to saddle the present Trustees with the responsibility for transactions which took place during the time of their predecessors. I think the House can be reassured that the fact that the Trustees have authorised a careful scrutiny of the arrangements of each Trust, with the assistance of the professional advisers of each Trust, is an indication that they are just as anxious as the hon. Member to get this thing right.

Mr. Edelman

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.