HC Deb 24 July 1970 vol 804 cc309-10W
Mr. Tom Boardman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has recently accepted in lieu of estate duty any work of art under the provisions of Section 34 of the Finance Act, 1956; and if he will take steps to ensure that any such works of art are distributed throughout the country.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

Yes. I am glad to announce that agreement has been reached between Her Majesty's Government and the executor of the estate of the late Major Kincaid-Lennox for the acceptance, in part satisfaction of estate duty, of 3 paintings which are considered to be pre-eminent for their aesthetic merit. These pictures are "Il Contento" by Adam Elsheimer, "Portrait of a Girl" by Michael Sweerts and a "Portrait of Richard Payne Knight Esq." by Sir Thomas Lawrence. The total cost to the National Land Fund, after allowing for exemption from estate duty and capital gains tax, is £126,225.

The advice of the Standing Commission on Museums and Galleries was sought on the disposal of these pictures. In the light of their views, and the wishes expressed by the Executor of the Estate, it has been decided that "Il Contento" by Adam Elsheimer should be made available to the National Gallery of Scotland; "Portrait of a Girl" by Michael Sweerts should be offered on long loan to the City of Leicester; and the "Portrait of Richard Payne Knight Esq." by Sir Thomas Lawrence should be offered on long loan to the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester.