§ Sir W. Darlingasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the inability of artists to obtain canvas and paints, of their difficulties in getting glass and of the serious hindrance which Purchase Tax on frames involves; and if he is prepared to give priority for these supplies to professional artists whose ability to practise their profession is at present hindered.
§ Mr. BelcherMy right hon. and learned Friend much regrets the continued shortage of artists' materials and is doing his best to improve supplies. More canvas will be available in the New Year. A larger quantity of colours is being produced than before the war, but output cannot be further increased while the scarcity of linseed oil persists, and supplies of glass are curtailed by the requirements of the housing programme. Certain frames suitable for show purposes have already been exempted from Purchase Tax. I do not think it would be practicable to operate a system of priority of supplies for professional artists, and in any case the claims of educational authorities to a share of the supplies must rank high.