HC Deb 18 February 1954 vol 523 cc2125-6
2. Mr. Edelman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what inquiries he has made since September, 1949, into the administration of the Tate Gallery; and what action he has taken in consequence.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

No formal inquiries into the administration of the Tate Gallery were instituted during the period to which the hon. Member refers. The Organisation and Methods Division of the Treasury undertook various assignments at the Gallery; and in 1952 an experienced civil servant was made availableby the Treasury to advise the trustees on a number of problems which had arisen in the internal management of the Gallery. In all these cases it has been for the trustees and not for my right hon. Friend to take such subsequent action as was appropriate.

Mr. Edelman

Were not these two investigations undertaken because allegations had been made of irregularities inside the Tate Gallery, and, in consequence of the first inquiry, was it not the case that a senior official of the publication department was dismissed; and, in the case of the second inquiry, was not action taken by the Treasury in order to put certain matters in order? In view of these new circumstances which are now disclosed, will the Financial Secretary not recommend to his right hon. Friend that a public inquiry should be instituted in order to allay the grave disquiet which is being felt?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I cannot accept a number of the implications in the hon. Member's supplementary question, but on the real point, as I understand it, at the end of his supplementary question, I would say that this matter has been, as my answer disclosed, very carefully looked at, and I am confident that the very distinguished body of trustees will do what is appropriate in the circumstances.

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the new situation that has arisen since the resignation of Mr. Graham Sutherland, and will he take that into account when keeping this matter under review, as I hope he will continue to do?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The resignation of the distinguished gentleman in question is an important aspect of the matter which will certainly be borne in mind.

Mr. E. Fletcher

Is the Financial Secretary aware that there is widespread disquiet, both at the irregularities that have taken place, and also, I think it fair to say, about the various errors of judgment which have been made, and since the Treasury is responsible for the appointment of these trustees, whether public or private, why does not the Minister decide to hold a public inquiry to allay the public anxiety which exists?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I do not accept the implication of public disquiet. As the hon. Member will be aware, the irregularities—if he has in mind the departures from the terms of the trust deed which the trustees have disclosed—took place over a number of years and in circumstances for which a good many of the present trustees were not responsible. I hope that the hon. Member will bear this in mind.