§ 7. Mr. Skeffingtonasked the President of the Board of Trade the policy of his Department in relation to the export from the United Kingdom of works of art.
§ Mr. H. WilsonThe policy is to issue licences in cases where the proposed export does not involve the loss of a national treasure and where an appropriate return of currency is to be received. Temporary exports for exhibition abroad are also approved subject to satisfactory undertakings being given regarding return to this country.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonWho advises the Board of Trade on what really are works of art?
§ Mr. WilsonWell. it depends on the works of art in question, but the appropriate national gallery or museum authorities usually advise the Board of Trade about both the value and the national treasure worth of any proposed export.
Vice-Admiral TaylorWill the body appropriate to advise on the particular work of art to be exported be consulted?
§ Mr. WilsonYes, Sir. As I said just now, we consult the appropriate national gallery or museum authority, depending on the export in question.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonDoes the right hon. Gentleman's reply refer only to major works of art, the better known ones, or is a watch kept on the export of such things as old silver; and is it not 2255 the policy of the Government to prevent this country being depleted altogether of these things?
§ Mr. WilsonYes, Sir. The hon. Gentleman is quite right; this is not related merely to major works of art. I well remember recent cases involving exports of lesser value—suits of armour, and various other things—which might be regarded as worth keeping in this country.