§ Mr. Wyattasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many pictures are listed in the inventory and catalogue of the National Gallery; how many of these pictures, excluding loans to the National Gallery, are exhibited in the National Gallery; how many are exhibited in provincial galleries and museums; how many are in store or in buildings other than galleries or museums; and how many rooms in the National Gallery suitable for exhibiting pictures are at present not being used for this purpose.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterAt 1st January, 1954, the number of pictures in the National Gallery inventory (which includes the Tate Gallery pictures) was 6,203. After allowing for works in the keeping of the Tate Gallery, the number of National Gallery pictures was 1,882 and their location as follows:
At the National Gallery On view 717 In the Reference Section (available on request) 866 Receiving treatment, etc. (temporarily inaccessible) 32 Elsewhere On loan, through the Arts Council, to Provincial Galleries 168 On loan to National Museums and Galleries 61 In buildings other than Museums and Galleries 38 Ten rooms at the National Gallery which suffered war damage are not at present used for exhibiting pictures. One was totally destroyed; five are in process of restoration, and three, already restored, are closed while rebuilding work is in progress.
§ Mr. Wyattasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury for what amount the paintings in the National Gallery are insured.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe paintings are not insured, except when they are lent.