HC Deb 03 May 1944 vol 399 cc1304-5
20. Mr. Wakefield

asked the Minister of Information if he is aware of the valuable work being done by British artists in furthering Anglo-American friendship by their painting American Forces in this country; and, in view of the importance of this work, what steps is his Department taking to enable a greater development of this work to take place than has hitherto been possible.

The Minister of Information (Mr. Brendan Bracken)

Yes, Sir. The Ministry of Information knows about this activity and understands that it is appreciated by the American troops. The one obstacle to its development that we know of is the shortage of paper and other materials. This is serious and we recently had to tell one of the artists that it was impossible to meet his need from our own meagre reservoir of supplies.

Mr. Messer

Does not the right hon. Gentleman know that to paint a portrait is to make an enemy?