I read with much sadness J. A. Mizzi's report on the plight of the Gloster Sea-Gladiator which is languishing at the old War Museum.

Just because of the hard headedness of some "officials" at Heritage Malta, who are refusing to hand over the aircraft to the Malta Aviation Museum, we are risking the loss of a priceless piece of history. As reported the aircraft is slowly reaching the point of no repair due its deterioration and to my disgust and amazement nobody seems to be doing anything about it!

In the same report Mr Mizzi stated that on a recent visit to the Air Battle of Malta Memorial Hanger at Ta' Qali, the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Mario De Marco, stated that in his personal opinion the Gladiator should move there to be conserved by the specialists and be fully restored to its original wartime condition. Great! So why has nothing been done, I ask Dr De Marco?

The aircraft does not belong to Heritage Malta. It belongs to the Maltese people. They have been entrusted with its care so that we and future generations can view this relic from such an important time in this country's history. Yet they have failed to do so and have left it to rot away, wingless, in totally unsuitable surroundings. In my book they should be held criminally liable for neglect and damage.

If, rightly so, the law permits that a child can be taken from neglectful parents then surely, all that needs to be done is for the government to order Heritage Malta to give the aircraft to the Malta Aviation Museum that will restore it to its former glory. It is thanks to the latter that all citizens of this country can view two impeccably restored World War II war birds, namely a Hawker Hurricane and a Supermarine Spitfire, housed at the Air Battle of Malta Memorial Hanger at Ta' Qali.

Dr De Marco, Lawrence Gonzi, please act now before it's too late! Don't let us lose Faith, pun intended.