§ Mr. CROOKSasked the First Commissioner of Works whether the picture by Mr. Solomon J. Solomon on the staircase leading to the Committee Rooms corridor of the House of Commons, petitioning Queen Elizabeth to marry, is to be varnished with the object of bringing out the colouring and preserving the surface?
§ Sir A. MONDAt my request the Director of the National Gallery has examined the picture referred to by my right hon. Friend and he does not recommend varnishing it, anyhow until Mr. Solomon has been consulted, as this artist achieves his effects by methods peculiar to himself, and varnishing would tend to darken the tones and lessen the visibility and decorative effect of the panel. Mr. Solomon is, I understand, at present engaged on national work abroad, but I will take the earliest opportunity of seeking his opinion on this matter.