HC Deb 28 July 1980 vol 989 cc480-1W
32. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster why he will not seek powers to control large expenditures of public funds by galleries in the United Kingdom which receive public support so as to prevent public funds being spent to the extent of £2½ million on a Rubens painting, as recently happened with the National Gallery.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

The purchase grants made available to national museums and galleries are already subject to the approval of Parliament.