§ Mr. R. Allanasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that the postcards produced by his Department illustrating historic sites and buildings under his charge are often inadequate and unsatisfactory; and what steps he will take to remedy the matter.
§ Mr. EcclesYes. Picture postcards are on sale of the buildings under the charge of the Ministry of Works, such as Hampton Court, the Tower of London, Holyrood Palace and Caernarvon Castle. The Ministry is responsible for photography and the selection of pictures and Her Majesty's Stationery Office for their reproduction.
These postcards are of very uneven quality. I am satisfied that we could offer the public something better both in black and white and in colour, and that 23W British photographers and printers could combine to present our unrivalled buildings in a manner which would at once put us in the lead as artists in photography and increase the profits made from the sale of cards and pictures. If the new series are to be ready for Coronation year, it will be necessary to work fast. I have, therefore, invited a representative committee to advise me urgently on the best material obtainable. The composition of the Committee, to whom 24W inquiries should be addressed at the Ministry of Works, is as follows:
- Sir Eric de Normann—Chairman.
- Mr. A. F. Bucknell, Secretary of the Institute of British Photographers.
- Miss Peggy Delius.
- Mr. T. C. D. Evans, Director of Publications, H.M.S.O.
- Mr. R. B. Fishenden, Editor of the Penrose Annual.
- Sir Francis Meynell.
- Mr. I. D. Wratten, President of the Royal Photographic Society.
- Mrs. E. H. Goldsmith, Ministry of Works.