HC Deb 24 January 1961 vol 633 cc10-1
13. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Works what additional accommodation he will provide to enable the National Gallery and the Tate Gallery to exhibit works in their collection which, due to lack of space, are not available to the public.

Lord John Hope

Work to provide three more exhibition rooms and a reference section at the National Gallery is nearing completion. An extension scheme for the Tate Gallery is being considered, but I cannot yet say when it may be possible to start work.

Mr. Lipton

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is rather ridiculous to spend public money on works of art designed for public exhibition and then not to exhibit them? Will he, therefore, try to expedite not only the case of the National Gallery but, in particular, the necessary provisions at the Tate Gallery as well?

Lord John Hope

Yes. I think the sooner we can get on with these schemes, the better.

Mr. Strauss

Can the Minister say when a decision in principle is likely to be made about the extension scheme for the Tate Gallery?

Lord John Hope

No, I cannot. At the moment the chairman is away, but I hope to have a decision in principle very soon indeed.