HC Deb 13 November 1952 vol 507 cc70-1W
50 and 51. Mr. Hollis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether, in accordance with the recommendation of the Waverley Committee, he will increase the grants-in-aid to grant-aided collections for the purchase of works of art;

(2) whether, in accordance with the recommendation of the Waverley Committee, he will accept a public obligation to purchase such works of art as their possessors are forbidden to export.

59 and 60. Dr. Stross

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he has noted that the annual purchase grant-in-aid of the National Gallery is now less than it was in 1865; and if he will increase the grants to grant-aided collections and to the Victoria and Albert Museum;

(2) whether he is aware of the continuous depletion of objects of high artistic and historic importance in Britain, as a result of their export to other countries; and what action he contemplates to preserve these treasures for the nation.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

My right hon. Friend is aware that the Committee on the Export of Works of Art discussed these points, and he is considering the recommendations made in their Report. He hopes to be able to make a statement in a few weeks' time.