HC Deb 22 July 1968 vol 769 cc20-1
24. Mr. Arnold Shaw

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what public response there has been to the sale of statuettes at the Tower of London.

Mr. Mellish

About 5,000 of each of the armoured figures have been sold since they were introduced in August and November last year.

Mr. Shaw

That will give a good deal of satisfaction, but, in view of the level of sales, will my right hon. Friend think of widening the range of such statuettes? I am sure that such a move would be popular.

Mr. Mellish

I am obliged for that suggestion. As my hon. Friend probably knows, this scheme is in its infancy. It is going extremely well, and large numbers are being sold. By the way, the statuettes are in Henry VIII armour. I hope that we shall be able to venture into other fields.

Mr. Heffer

Would my right hon. Friend consider extending the range to include statuettes of some hon. or right hon. Members? Perhaps a statuette of the hon. and learned Member for Antrim, North (Sir Knox Cunningham) might sell well as showing an ancient monument.

Mr. Mellish

I have an idea that if we did that we should not sell any statuettes at all.