HC Deb 06 March 1919 vol 113 c658W
Major HAYWARD

asked the Postmaster-General if he will say, in view of the practice of museums and art galleries transmitting through the post artists' studies and other works of art for loan purposes and for the use of students, what steps he proposes to take for their protection, seeing that serious works of art have recently been destroyed by officers of his Department, possessing no qualifications in art, acting under Clause 63 of the Post Office Act, 1908; and whether, to avoid further destruction, he will appoint a panel of experts to whom articles alleged to come within the Section shall be submitted in future before destruction?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

I have no reason to think that museums and art galleries require any such protection, but I shall be pleased to consider any representations they may make to me on the subject. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.