§ Mr. Worsleyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about special Government assistance towards a recent acquisition by the National Gallery.
§ Sir E. BoyleYes. The National Gallery have purchased the Gainsborough portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Andrews, probably now the most famous example of the painter's early work. In view of the outstanding importance of this picture, my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has decided, subject to the approval of Parliament, to make a special Exchequer grant of £75,000 towards the cost. A Supplementary Estimate will be laid before the House as soon as possible. The Pilgrim Trust have offered a very handsome grant of £25,000 and contributions are also generously being made by the National Art Collections Fund, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Spooner and Associated Television Limited. The balance will be found by the National Gallery from their own funds.