HL Deb 29 January 1957 vol 201 cc161-2

2.36 p.m.

THE EARL OF HADDINGTON

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether action is to be taken to carry out the plan of reconstruction, outlined in the report of the National Gallery Trustees January, 1955—June, 1956, in view of the serious and rapid deterioration of valuable works of art bequeathed to the nation.]

THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (THE EARL OF MUNSTER)

My Lords, the preliminary plans, referred to in the recent report of the Trustees, for the reconstruction of the West Wing of the National Gallery are now being developed, and, subject to the approval of Parliament, it is hoped to start the physical work in the early months of 1958.

THE EARL OF HADDINGTON

My Lords, I thank the noble Earl for his reply, which, to a certain extent, will give satisfaction. In view of the urgency of this whole matter, however, and the acute shortage of accommodation in the Gallery, may I ask him this supplementary question: when this work is definitely started, will the whole plan of reconstruction and air conditioning which has been outlined by the Ministry be carried through without intermission until the whole scheme is completed? That is what. I should very much like to know.

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

The general plan which I have announced will, subject to Parliamentary authority, be completed in the earliest possible time. The air conditioning of the remaining public exhibition rooms must, however, await the completion of the present scheme, which, I am informed, will absorb all the resources that can be devoted to the Gallery's needs.

THE EARL OF HADDINGTON

My Lords, I thank the noble Earl for that assurance.

LORD KINNAIRD

My Lords, in view of the risk of damage, to which the report has called our attention, may I ask whether by 1958 the Minister will have signed a contract for completing the work; and may I also ask the noble Earl whether he will use all his influence to get the whole of the work carried through to completion?

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

I think that by 1958 my right honourable friend will certainly have signed the contract, but, of course, it is subject to Parliamentary approval of the Vote of money concerned.

LORD KINNAIRD

I beg to thank the noble Earl.