HC Deb 31 July 1939 vol 350 c1988W
Mr. Bossom

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in the event of an enemy attack, provision has been made to ensure protection of the nation's treasures in the British Museum, the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, and so forth; and have the various staffs already been fully trained as to their duty, upon instant warning, to remove these treasures to a place of security?

Mr. Ramsbotham

Yes, Sir. Plans have been worked out, in collaboration with the directors of all the principal National museums and galleries, for the safeguarding of the nation's art treasures in the event of emergency. With regard to the second part of the question, training is a matter for the museum authorities, but I understand that the staffs concerned have in fact been fully trained in the duties they would be required to perform.