Works of Art (Export)

HC Deb 12 June 1956 vol 554 c220

14. Mr. Vane

asked the President of the Board of Trade why he has amended the open general licence affecting the export of works of art.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The licence was amended in order to raise from £100 to £500 the value at which works of art may be exported to non-sterling destinations. The value limit is now the same for the non-sterling area as for the sterling area.

Mr. Vane

May I ask my right hon. Friend what particular reason he has for doing this because, surely, he does not want to encourage the export of works of art?

Mr. Thorneycroft

In principle, I think the same level should apply to both the sterling and the non-sterling area, and this change merely brings them into line. The difference was originally used for some exchange control purpose.