HC Deb 21 June 1956 vol 554 cc122-3W
Mr. Maclay

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total value of exports from the United Kingdom in 1955 to the Coal and Steel Community group of nations in Europe; what proportion this bore to total United Kingdom exports; what were the broad categories of the exports to that group of countries; and if he will give similar information regarding their imports into the United Kingdom.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The information is as follows:

taken to ensure that that important work remains in the national collection.

Mr. H. Brooke

By the generosity of the owners, this picture has been on loan to the National Gallery since 1946. Last year the owners indicated that they felt obliged to sell it, but they gave the Trustees an option to purchase the picture at £50,000 and, with great public spirit, have allowed time for the necessary arrangements to be made. The Trustees have been able to find £12,000 from their normal grant-in-aid and Trust Funds; the Pilgrim Trust are providing a further £10,000, and the National Art-Collections Fund £3,000. In view of the special circumstances and the undoubted importance of this painting, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has agreed, subject to the approval of Parliament, to provide the remaining £25,000 as a special purchase grant. A Supplementary Estimate will be laid before the House in due course.