§ Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he will make a statement about special Government assistance towards the purchase of a picture by the Tate Gallery.
§ Sir E. BoyleYes. The Trustees of the Tate Gallery have decided to purchase the painting "Nu Debout" by Matisse. Matisse is one of the major twentieth century artists and this example of an important period in his development will greatly strengthen the representation of his work in the national collections. I have agreed, subject to the approval of Parliament,234W to make a special grant of £16,000 towards the purchase price, the balance of which will be provided by the Trustees from their own resources. A Supplementary Estimate will be laid before Parliament as soon as possible and meanwhile the money will be advanced from the Civil Contingencies Fund.