HC Deb 25 March 1971 vol 814 cc190-1W
72. Mr. Strauss

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consultations she had with local organisations, art authorities or other interested parties before she authorised the sale by the governors of the Dulwich College Picture Gallery of Domenichino's Adoration of the Shepherds.

Mrs. Thatcher

None.

Mr. Money

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she has made an order under the Charities Act permitting the Trustees of Dulwich College to sell the Domenichino painting the Adoration of the Shepherds; and whether she will make a statement.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make a statement about the sale of the Dulwich College Domenichino, setting out the reasons why her Department gave an order approving the intended sale.

Mrs. Thatcher

An Order approving the sale of this picture by the trustees of the Dulwich College Picture Gallery was made under Section 23(1) of the Charities Act, 1960, which enables me to sanction action which appears to me to be expedient in the interests of a charity. I am satisfied that the trustees have no alternative means of raising funds required to maintain the Gallery.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what non-departmental advice was taken by her Department before approval was given for the reserve placed on the Domenichino to be sold by Dulwich College.

Mrs. Thatcher

The report of the trustee's professional adviser about the reserve price.