§ 16. Miss Quennellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is satisfied that the criteria recommended by the Waverley Committee in 1952 in connection with the issuing of licences for the export of antiques are sufficiently broad to protect the national stock; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss Jennie LeeYes, I consider the criteria to be satisfactory, although, of course, any proposal to export a work of art is liable to be controversial.
§ Miss QuennellDoes the hon. Lady realise that these criteria are exceedingly narrow, involving as they do in every case "outstanding" aesthetic or historical significance? In fact, last year nearly £7 million worth of antiques was exported from this country, but only seven applications came before the reviewing body and in respect of only three did that body take the view that it should recommend that no licence be issued.
§ Miss LeeYes, but I know the hon. Lady realises that London is a great international mart. We have extremely expert advisers on these matters and we must try to keep an even balance between these two considerations.