UK lawmakers told not to rub statues' toes

[August 03, 2013]  LONDON (AP) -- Parliamentary officials in Britain want lawmakers to keep their hands off Margaret Thatcher's toes.

Authorities are considering roping off statues of former prime ministers, including Thatcher and Winston Churchill, because they are suffering wear and tear from legislators rubbing their toes for luck.

Members of Parliament traditionally touch the statues in the House of Commons lobby before entering the chamber.

Deputy House of Commons curator Melanie Unwin told Parliament's Works of Art Committee that statues of Thatcher, Churchill, Clement Attlee and David Lloyd George "are seriously under threat due to the tradition of touching the toes of the statues for good luck."

The committee agreed that "Do not touch" signs should be put up, and is considering installing barriers around the statues.

Details of the June meeting emerged Friday.

[Associated Press]

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