National Art Collections (Power of Sale)

HC Deb 17 February 1959 vol 600 c26W

72. Dr. Stross

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of the official national institutions are authorised to sell articles in their collections; and how frequently these powers are exercised.

Mr. Amory

Of the major collections the National and Tate Galleries have no power of sale; the British Museum has power to sell duplicates and does so occasionally; and the Victoria and Albert Museum may sell any article not affected by a Trust inconsistent with sale and does so quite frequently, subject to the approval of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education. There are similar differences of law and practice in the other national collections.