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National Lottery Bill

My Lords, the noble Viscount, Lord Astor, has spoken rather modestly. We on the Liberal Democrat Benches fully agree with what he is trying to do. At present the funding of acquisitions seems to be a low, if not marginal, priority of the Government. Collections must not, and cannot, remain static. Back at the turn of the previous century, I believe that John Maynard Keynes, who then worked at the Treasury, recognised that it would be useful if money was allocated to buy paintings from the Degas sale that was taking place. Those paintings have formed an incredibly useful and essential part of the National Gallery’s collection. At present it is difficult for bodies to find the money to buy the paintings and so on that they need to build up their collections. Therefore, I fully support the amendment proposed by the noble Viscount, Lord Astor.