asked the Minister for Education if he will give details of the purchase by the National Gallery of the portrait of the Marquis de Vandreuil for the sum of £25,000; if he considers this portrait of sufficient value to the Gallery to warrant this cost; if it was purchased by auction or by private treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Under the statutory powers given to them, the Board of Governors and Guardians of the National Gallery are charged with the custody of the collection in the Gallery and with adding to that collection through purchase or otherwise. No question of my giving approval to any action of the board in these respects arises.

I understand, however, that the painting in question was purchased out of funds derived from the Shaw Bequest and that the price is considered reasonable.