FOREIGN WORKS OF ART (IMPORT DUTY).

HC Deb 05 May 1932 vol 265 cc1271-2

37. Mr. CROSSLEY

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the duty on foreign works of art is at present being levied on pictures painted by British artists abroad?

Major ELLIOT

Yes, Sir. There is no exemption from duty under the Import Duties Act in respect of modern works of art imported into the United Kingdom which have been produced in foreign countries.

Mr. CROSSLEY

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say how artists who are not in any organisation can be expected to put their case before the tariff committee?

Major ELLIOT

They have never found any difficulty in putting their case when they had one.

Sir P. HARRIS

Does the Financial Secretary appreciate the fact that many modern artists will be very much handicapped by not being able to paint their pictures abroad, because they will be liable to duty?