House hunts the Hitler-moustache artist

AN INVESTIGATION has begun at Westminster to find out who drew a 'Hitler moustache' on a portrait of Baroness Thatcher, the former Prime Minister.

The Speaker, Betty Boothroyd, told the House of Commons that she had ordered a thorough inquiry, adding: 'I know about this vandalism that has taken place and I deprecate it.' The portrait by Henry Mee had been hanging in a parliamentary restaurant, Bellamy's coffee room. It has now been removed for restoration.

Miss Boothoyd's comments came after Tony Banks, Labour MP for Newham North-West, drew laughter from all sides as he denied he was responsible for defacing the picture. Mr Banks said in a point of order that there were 'very unfortunate rumours' spreading around the press lobby that he knew more than he had so far said about the appearance of a 'small Hitler moustache' on Lady Thatcher's portrait at 1 Derby Gate.

'I want you to know that I know nothing whatever about this incident. I didn't put the Hitler moustache on it,' he said.