§ 3.7 p.m.
§ LORD BOSSOMMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what regulations control the loan of pictures from the Tate and National Galleries for the offices of the new Government Ministers; what particular pictures are allowed to be loaned for this purpose, and whether these pictures can be loaned for any other public buildings.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, BOARD OF TRADE (LORD RHODES)My Lords, the loan of pictures from the Tate and National Galleries for Government offices is governed by Section 4 of the National Gallery and Tate Gallery Act, 1954. The choice of pictures which may be loaned is primarily a matter for the Trustees concerned, who in making a decision are required by the Act to satisfy themselves that the picture is physically in a fit state to be loaned and that it will not be exposed to any unnecessary or exceptional hazards. The Trustees will also take into account whether a particular picture is of such importance that it ought to be kept available in the Gallery for easy reference by the public and by students. Pictures may be loaned under this section not only to Government offices but to any public building or official residence, in the United Kingdom or elsewhere, for the furnishing of which the Minister of Public Building and Works is responsible.
§ LORD BOSSOMMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that Answer. Could 224 he say whether pictures may be loaned either to this building in which we are all assembled now or to our Embassies in different parts of the world?
§ LORD RHODESYes, my Lords. Pictures are loaned to Embassies in different parts of the world.