§ 63. Dr. Strossasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the fiscal arrangements which permit, through the operation of death duty, the transfer of paintings from private collections to the National Gallery in no way assist the Trustees to exercise a considered policy of acquisition; and whether he will increase the purchasing grant to £150,000 per annum.
Mr. AmoryAcquisitions in satisfaction of Estate Duty help the Trustees to obtain very important pictures needed for the National Gallery collection. Opportunities to acquire such pictures are in any case rarely predictable. In answer to the second party of the Question, I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given him by the Financial Secretary on 6th November.
120W
§ 64. Dr. Strossasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the total financial aid to the National Gallery by way of special grant during the past five years; how many paintings were thus acquired; and what percentage of the total cost the special grant represents.