HC Deb 22 July 1965 vol 716 cc1833-4

The following Questions stood upon the Order Paper:

Q9. Sir J. LANGFORD-HOLT

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the acquisition of a painting by Sir Winston Churchill to be hung in the Palace of Westminster.

Q10. Mr. ROBERT COOKE

To ask the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement concerning the acquisition of a painting by Sir Winston Churchill for hanging in the House of Commons part of the Palace of Westminster.

The Prime Minister

With permission, I will now answer Questions Nos. 9 and 10.

Lady Spencer-Churchill has kindly offered to make available one of Sir Winston's paintings for display in the House of Commons. The painting will be hung in a prominent position in the Harcourt Room, along with suitable pictures being lent by the Tate Gallery. I am sure that the House will wish to join me in thanking Lady Spencer-Churchill for her very generous offer.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

Will the right hon. Gentleman be assured that the House does thank Lady Spencer-Churchill for this gesture and also is glad to note that the picture is to be hung in a public, albeit a semi-public, room? Thirdly, can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House which picture Lady Spencer-Churchill has designated for this purpose?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. I am sorry that I have not got that detail with me. There were long discussions with her about this. I agree with the hon. Gentleman that it is valuable that it should be in a place where not only hon. Members but their wives and guests may see it.

Sir G. Nicholson

I am not quite clear to what extent the ten-year rule has been abrogated in respect of Sir Winston Churchill. The right hon. Gentleman is aware that there is a very good portrait of him in Mr. Speaker's House. Would he consider transferring it into the House?

Mr. Speaker

Order. If the hon. Member wants to ask me a Question it will have to be a Private Notice Question. But this is not the same point. The Prime Minister was speaking not of a picture of Sir Winston Churchill but of a picture created by Sir Winston Churchill.

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