HC Deb 29 February 1916 vol 80 c917W
Mr. A. WILLIAMS

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the trustees of the National Gallery have recently purchased Pieter de Hooch's picture known as "The Music Party"; whether he is aware that this picture changed hands two or three years ago for £3,500; and whether it has been bought for a smaller sum on this occasion?

Mr. MONTAGU

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am informed that the picture was bought in at a sale in Paris, in 1913, at a price reported to be £3,360. It has been bought for a smaller sum on this occasion.