§ MR. ELLIS GRIFFITH (Anglesey)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether the designs for the new postage stamps have been entrusted to an Austrian sculptor; and, if so, whether this is due to the fact that there is no British artist competent for the work.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINIt is the case that the portrait of His Majesty which has been used in the preparation of the designs to appear on the new postage stamps is by a foreign artist, there being in existence an excellent profile portrait executed only last year by an Austrian sculptor, Mr. Fuchs, who is now resident in London. It is not to be inferred that no British artist was considered to be competent for the work.
§ MR. ELLIS GRIFFITHWho had the right of selecting the artist?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI must have notice of that question.
§ LORD BALCARRES (Lancashire, Chorley)What form of inquiry or competition took place by which the un-suitability of British artists was determined?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI have expressly stated already that the unsuitability of British artists is not to be inferred from the choice made.
§ DR. FARQUHARSONWas the opinion of the president of the Royal Academy or other leaders of the artistic profession taken before the selection was made?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI have already said twice that I must have notice of any further questions.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYDo foreign Courts employ British artists?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order !