Letter: Reshuffle raises fears and hopes

Sir: The hopes of many art lovers have been raised by the appointment of Stephen Dorrell as Secretary of State for National Heritage, a heritage that remains very much in a state of crisis.

Perhaps he could begin his term of office in a spectacularly convincing manner by persuading his former colleagues in the Treasury to look kindly on a bridging loan (to be repaid when the proceeds from the National Lottery come on flow ) to acquire Canova's exquisite The Three Graces before it sadly becomes a loss to the nation by vanishing overseas on 5 August.

Yours faithfully,

GEORGE J. LEVY

London, W1

21 July