HC Deb 21 March 1968 vol 761 cc581-2
23. Mr. A. Royle

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, in view of the fact that by the terms of the Government's order raising the export licence value limit hundreds of national treasures ceased overnight to be national treasures because they are not expensive enough, he will lower the value limit for export licences for works of art from £2,000 to £1,000; and if he will make a statement.

Miss Jennie Lee

The present arrangements are working as satisfactorily as anything can be expected to in this imperfect world. The hon. Member may be reassured to know that in 1965–66 only three objections were raised by the expert advisers to the export of works of art or objects worth less than £2,000.

Mr. Royle

Will the right hon. Lady look at this again? Is she aware that the policies of the present Government have already caused a major brain drain from this country and that unless she reconsiders her present ill-advised policy regarding works of art there will inevitably be a major drain of national treasures from this country over the next few years?

Miss Lee

To answer the Question on the Order Paper, changes in the value of money mean that we are not endangering more works of art than before. We all regret it when anything of value leaves the country, but a Government must keep in mind that while we want to retain our own treasures London is also a very great international art centre.

Mr. Strauss

Will my right hon. Friend press my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to accept the request of the Museums Association that rare archaeological treasures which may not have much commercial value should be preserved in this country?

Miss Lee

I think that there is no dispute about any of those matters. We very much want those things to happen, but we cannot have 100 per cent. results and still have London the centre it is.

Mr. Royce

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.