HC Deb 15 November 1955 vol 546 cc174-5
2. Viscount Hinchingbrooke

asked the Minister of Works what action he will take on the recommendations of his advisory Committee on Works of Art in the House of Commons.

Mr. Birch

I have consulted you, Mr. Speaker, and the Lord Great Chamberlain, and we hope to give general effect to the recommendations of the Committee. It is proposed to seek an annual provision in the Vote of my Department for the purchase of works of art for the Palace of Westminster and to appoint a Committee of hon. Members to advise on the improvement of the collection in that part of the Palace occupied by this House. Action has already been taken on some of the detailed recommendations.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the House would wish to congratulate him, in the middle of an inscrutable economic crisis, in so successfully pleading with the Chancellor of the Exchequer the cause of the Committee for a small Vote for the purposes of the art of this House?

Mr. Birch

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his congratulations but perhaps he had better wait and see what the amount is.

Mr. Anthony Greenwood

Would the Minister bear in mind that the House would also like to express congratulations and thanks to the members of the Committee who advised him?

Mr. Birch

I have already expressed my thanks in answer to a Question the week before last. I think it is a very good Report.

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