§ MR. MITCHELL-THOMSONI beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland what is the estimated value of the objects exhibited in the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh; and whether any of these objects are insured against risks by fire.
§ MR. SINCLAIRNo estimate of the present value of the objects exhibited in the Museum has been made and, having regard to the extent and varied character of the collections, to make even an approximately correct valuation of them would occupy much time and involve considerable cost. No insurance is effected by the Treasury on any objects in the Museum.
§ MR. MITCHELL-THOMSONI beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that objects have been lent on loan to the Royal Scottish Museum by lenders who have not been informed that loans to the Museum are at owner's risk in case of fire; and whether, in the event of the destruction of these objects by fire, originating in those buildings, which, as the directors' report states, are in dangerous proximity to the Museum, any compensation will be paid to the owners by the Government.
§ MR. SINCLAIRThe practice of the present director in regard to loans of objects to the Museum is to inform the lender that the authorities cannot be responsible for loss or damage to objects and that no insurance is effected against fire. He is not aware of any cases in which this procedure has been omitted. In the event of loss by fire no provision exists for compensating the owner.
§ MR. MITCHELL-THOMSONThere are cases of lenders of valuable objects who have not been so informed.
§ MR. SINCLAIRIf the hon. Member can give me them I will see that they are informed.