HC Deb 29 November 1960 vol 631 c182
13. Mr. Collard

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce amending legislation to enable the trustees of the Tate Gallery to lend pictures for other than public exhibition.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I am looking into this and will write to my hon. Friend.

Mr. Collard

Perhaps it would be more helpful if I made sure that my right hon. and learned Friend was aware of the reason behind my Question. Is he aware that the Tate Gallery owns the picture called "The Lament for Icarus" by Herbert Draper, which is particularly suitable for display at the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell? The College would like to have it and the Tate Gallery would like to lend it. Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that the only thing that prevents such an admirable arrangement is that the College is not, strictly speaking, a public place?

Mr. Lloyd

I will certainly take that into account in considering the matter.

Mr. Driberg

Is a picture of Icarus, who crashed in "the drink", really particularly suitable for Cranwell? [Laughter.] But, seriously, as this is a matter of some public interest, would the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider circulating his answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT instead of only writing to his hon. Friend the Member for Norfolk, Central (Mr. Collard)?

Mr. Lloyd

I would certainly consider giving fuller publicity to the answer.