§ 67. Sir P. Harrisasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury by what authority certain sculptures executed by eminent foreign artists designed to be exhibited in this country have been refused admission by the Customs authorities?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleI am not aware that the Customs authorities have refused admission to sculptures imported for exhibition. Imported sculptures are chargeable with duty under the Import Duties Act, 1932, unless a certificate is given by the Director of the Tate Gallery that they are works of art of the class or description to which the Import Duties (Exemption) (No. 15) Order, 1937, applies. The hon. Member appears to have in mind a recent case where, in the absence of such a certificate, the importers of certain articles were informed by the Customs that the appropriate duty must be paid. I am now advised, however, that it is not incumbent on the director to be satisfied of the artistic merit of articles for which his certificate is required, but that he is 1634 only called upon to decide whether the articles are works of art of a class or description to which the Exemptions Order applies. The director is willing to reconsider previous applications on this basis.
§ Sir P. HarrisIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that works of two famous sculptors of European reputation have been refused certificates as works of art, and that a letter of protest has been signed by a number of art critics, including those of the "Times" and the "Daily Telegraph"?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleI have explained the position to the hon. Baronet. If he wishes, I can show him photographs of the articles and he will understand how doubts may have arisen.
§ Sir A. SinclairDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman mean that these particular cases are to be reconsidered?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleYes, Sir.