§ Mr. Atkinsasked the Minister of Education if he will make a statement about the acquisition of the Butler Bowdon Cope by the Victoria and Albert Museum.
§ Sir D. EcclesThis early fourteenth century cope, which is finely embroidered with work known asopus anglicanum, is the only known example of its kind remaining in private hands in this country. It has been strongly represented to me that the cope is of the highest national importance and that special Exchequer help should, if necessary, be given towards its purchase, so that it may remain in this country.
The price is £33,000. The National Art-Collections' Fund and the Pilgrim Trust have generously offered to contribute £5,000 and £3,000, respectively, and I am also indebted to the kindness of City companies for offers of donations towards the cost. The Museum has been able to find about £15,000 from its own resources, leaving £9,000 which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has agreed, subject to the 87W approval of Parliament, to find through an addition to the Museum Purchase Grant for the current financial year. The payment for the cope will be made through an advance of this sum from the Civil Contingencies Fund and a Supplementary Estimate will be laid before the House very shortly.