§ Sir W. de FRECEasked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the right of reproducing the pictures on the walls of the House is vested in outside firms which deal only for private profit; what, in that case, are the pictures so affected; and whether steps can be taken whereby the State should hold the copyright of these pictures for its own benefit?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI understand that the artists of some of the pictures in question have disposed of their copyright to publishing firms. As regards the last part of the question, I regret that the Government cannot contemplate the allocation of public funds for the purchase of the copyright of these pictures.