HC Deb 27 July 1977 vol 936 cc312-3W
Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when she expects to announce a decision about the purchase by the nation of the two paintings "The Reapers" and "The Haymakers" by George Stubbs.

Mr. Oakes

The Tate Gallery hopes to buy these paintings and is prepared to commit a very substantial sum from its normal purchase funds. In addition it is launching a public appeal for funds, and the Government have promised a special grant matching, £ for £, the amount which the gallery can raise by this appeal up to a maximum of £190,000. The special grant will be found, exceptionally, from savings elsewhere in the programmes of the Department of Education and Science and from within existing cash limits. A Supplementary Estimate for the Tate Gallery and reduced provision on other Estimates will be put before Parliament when the gallery's success in raising its share of the resources by appeal is known.