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A Labour MP has called on the government to implement a spending freeze on the Commons and government art collection for the lifetime of this Parliament.
In a point of order shadow culture minister Gloria De Piero claimed the government intends to spend hundreds and thousands of pounds in the next two years.
Speaking earlier during culture questions, De Piero said: "When we are cutting spending on everything outside the House of Commons, will the minister consider freezing spending on the House of Commons and government art collection for the lifetime of this Parliament?
"Surely what money there is would be better spent on struggling libraries, theatre groups, galleries and other cultural organisations across Britain that are enjoyed by millions."
In response, culture minister Ed Vaizey said spending has been frozen on the art collection for two years.
The minister told MPs: "Let me take this opportunity to say that the government art collection is a great jewel in the crown of this nation, and I would urge the hon. Lady to go and see it."
He added: "It is inimitably British, and was set up in the 19th century because the Clerk of the Works decided that it was cheaper to buy paintings to cover the damp on the walls than to replace the wallpaper."
However, De Piero returned to the topic after questions and in a point of order claimed the government intends to spend nearly £300,000 in the next two years.
She said: "Earlier today the arts minister told the House that spending on the government's art collection would be frozen for the next two years.
"However, in a written answer given to me by the same minister I was told that spending on new works of art for the same collection would total £298,000 for the next two years."
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