HC Deb 24 October 1961 vol 646 cc734-5
32. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions during the last twelve months permission has been granted to advertising interests to reproduce works of art in the possession of the National Galleries of Scotland.

Mr. Maclay

I understand that such permission was granted on four occasions during the twelve months from 1st October, 1960, to 30th September, 1961.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Can the Minister give an assurance that the price will not be marked down? He will remember the ridiculous case in which an affluent petroleum company paid a derisory sum for reproducing a Scottish work of art. Will he make certain that when people want to reproduce these works of art for commercial purposes, they pay through the nose for it?

Mr. Maclay

There was formerly a standard fee, but I am advised that the trustees have decided that when the reproductions are for advertisements the fee shall be by arrangement in each case, with the amount of the standard fee as the minimum.