asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland has been closed since 1939; why this arrangement as regards picture galleries applies to Edinburgh and not to London; and if the gallery is still occupied by the National Registration Identity Cards department of the Government.

The answer to the first and last parts of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, this Gallery, in common with most of the London galleries and museums, was closed during the war, when the exhibits were evacuated for safety. Every effort is being made to secure alternative accommodation for the National Register Office staff, but in view of the particularly acute shortage of office premises in Edinburgh, I am unable at present to hold out any prospect of an early release.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the citizens of Edinburgh, and of Scotland generally, have been denied for some six years seeing this important exhibition of famous Scotsmen and Scotswomen, and that they think it more important to see this exhibition than to retain their National Registration cards?

As soon as alternative arrangements can be made, an opportunity to see the exhibition will be given.