§ 83. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the pictures and treasures in our public museums and galleries are insured; and whether he will call the attention of the directors of museums and galleries to the advisability of having works of art insured?
Mr. SAMUELThe pictures and other State property in public museums and galleries are not insured. It is the policy of the Government to carry the risks against which private individuals normally insure. The total value of property lost through those risks is considerably less than the insurance premiums which would 42 havé to be paid. Every reasonable precaution is taken to safeguard the national treasures, the great majority of which are clearly irreplaceable. No change in this policy is proposed.