Oral Answers to Questions — National Art Galleries.

– in the House of Commons at on 3 October 1939.

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Photo of Sir Joseph Leech Sir Joseph Leech , Newcastle upon Tyne West

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why the authorities at the Tate Gallery, a branch of the National Gallery in receipt of a grant from Parliament, who are on the telephone, refuse to allow the public to communicate with the gallery by telephone to obtain legitimate information; and whether it is in accordance with the policy of the Government that public institutions which are connected to the telephone service should disregard the convenience of the public even though the incoming calls are numerous?

Photo of Captain Harry Crookshank Captain Harry Crookshank , Gainsborough

The first part of the question hardly arises now as the Tate Gallery has been closed, but the matter will receive further consideration when opportunity offers. The answer to the latter part of the question is in general in the negative, though particular circumstances may demand special action.

Photo of Sir Joseph Leech Sir Joseph Leech , Newcastle upon Tyne West

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, as part of the policy of distributing pictures for which there is no permanent exhibition space in the State buildings in which they are stored, he will invite the trustees of the National, Tate and National Portrait Galleries to examine their store-rooms with a view to recommending the distribution of a larger number of suitable pictures for long-term exhibition in Government offices, and in town halls of municipalities within the London areas?

Photo of Captain Harry Crookshank Captain Harry Crookshank , Gainsborough

This question hardly arises at the present time as the galleries have been closed to the public since the outbreak of the war and most of the pictures have been removed to places of greater safety. I should, however, be happy to discuss the matter with the hon. Member if he so wishes.