HC Deb 22 July 1952 vol 504 c14W
61. Mr. J. Dugdale

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is satisfied that there is an adequate patrol on duty to look after the exhibits in the National Maritime Museum.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Between 11.50 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. on 15th July a gold casket, presented to Admiral Vernon by the City of London, was stolen from a glass case in the medal room of the National Maritime Museum. The police investigations are continuing and I understand that a small part of the box has been recovered.

On the questions of the adequacy or otherwise of the warding staff and of the arrangements made for its deployment at the material time, a number of factors affected the situation. I should, however, prefer not to enter into details of the security arrangements at a time when inquiries are continuing.