§ 2.53 p.m.
§ LORD AMULREEMy Lords, in the absence of my noble friend Lord Esher, I beg to ask the Question which stands in his name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have considered acquiring the premises in Trafalgar Square adjoining the National Gallery, which have been recently vacated by Messrs. Hamptons, for the purpose of using the site for an extension of the Gallery.]
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (THE EARL OF MUNSTER)My Lords, the possibility of acquiring this site has been considered on several occasions, but successive Governments have always thought it preferable, on architectural as well as financial grounds, to use the land at the back of the existing buildings, which is already Crown property, to meet the future needs of the Gallery. I understand that this site has now been acquired by the Canadian Government who intend to develop it themselves.
§ LORD AMULREEMy Lords, in thanking the noble Earl for his reply, I should like to put a supplementary point. Do I understand from his reply that plans are being considered for the extension of the Gallery, so that the collection can be more properly shown and so that possibly exhibits from other collections may be shown also?
§ THE EARL OF MUNSTERYes, my Lords; that is so.