§ 33. Dr. Goodson-WickesTo ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, representing the House of Commons Commission, what recent provisions have been made in the past two financial years for acquisitions of works of art. [7474]
§ Mr. A. J. Beith (On behalf of the House of Commons Commission)The financial provision for works of art in 1994–95 was £37,000, including some £17,000 specifically for 7 Millbank. In 1995–96, the provision is £50,000.
§ Dr. Goodson-WickesMay I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that answer? He will be aware of the admirable work done by the House of Commons Works of Art Committee, chaired by my hon. Friend the Member for South Staffordshire (Sir P. Cormack), especially in commissioning works to fill gaps that have been identified for this century. Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the Commission will seek adequate funding for the new parliamentary building so that similar gaps do not appear in the next century?
§ Mr. BeithThe experience of 7 Millbank and 1 Parliament street suggests that the Commission and the Finance and Services Committee will try to meet reasonable requirements to display good works of art in the new building. I know that the Works of Art Committee works hard and drives a hard bargain on behalf of the House in trying to make that possible.