§ Sir H. Kerrasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement as to Government assistance to the National Gallery towards its recent purchase of a picture by Courbet.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterYes. In view of the importance to the National Gallery collection of this picture "Les Demoiselles des Bords de la Seine" by Courbet, I have authorised, subject to the approval of Parliament, a special grant of £41,000. A Supplementary Estimate will be presented in due course. Meanwhile, an advance will be made from the Civil Contingencies Fund.