HC Deb 09 November 1992 vol 213 cc611-2
7. Mrs. Anne Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what measures he has recently taken to preserve collections of paintings of national importance in Britain.

Mr. Brooke

In addition to the Waverley system of export controls, there are several tax concessions to encourage the retention of pre-eminent works. The Government also provide grants, including that to the national heritage memorial fund, to assist the purchase of items under threat of export.

Mrs. Campbell

What has the right hon. Gentleman done to prevent the sale by Royal Holloway and Bedford new college of the paintings by Gainsborough, Constable and Turner to fund building work? Does he approve of colleges raising money in that way to finance essential building work and repairs?

Mr. Brooke

I fully appreciate the concern about the possible sale of three paintings from the college's picture collection. Although I have not seen them in my present capacity, I saw them previously. The decision whether to sell is one for the college and the Charity Commissioners and it would not be appropriate for Ministers to intervene.

Mr. Cormack

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many owners of major collections of works of art are anxious to keep them together for the benefit of the nation? Does he accept that the national heritage memorial fund should have greater flexibility to acquire such collections for a brief period while deciding where they should ultimately reside?

Mr. Brooke

I am conscious of cestain cases that might be in my hon. Friend's mind and I shall consider the matter. However, I am sure that those who have monitored the work of the national heritage memorial fund to date would say that it is working extremely well.

Mr. Sheldon

Is the Secretary of State aware that a number of national institutions are considering the sale of important works of art to provide funds for normal maintenance work? For example, Edinburgh university is considering the sale of some very important works of art. That widespread and serious problem has come to light recently because of the pressure on maintenance funds. Will the right hon. Gentleman think afresh on the matter, as it is becoming an urgent problem?

Mr. Brooke

The right hon. Gentleman tempts me on to territory that belongs to my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Education and for Scotland. However, I recognise the basic issue raised by the right hon. Gentleman and it should secure the attention of all of us.

Mr. Wolfson

Does my right hon. Friend agree that, often, when historic houses in private ownership come on to the market, that results in the breaking up of art collections? Is not the National Trust concerned that, because of recessionary pressures, there could be a large number of private sales? Is not the best way forward for those houses to remain in private hands, provided they are open to the public? Is my right hon. Friend taking any steps to ensure that that happens?

Mr. Brooke

My hon. Friend has raised two separate questions, one of which relates to the recent annual general meeting of the National Trust—that is, the sale of the contents and of privately owned historic houses. A number of the issues relating to that matter come within the competence of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, so I shall draw my hon. Friend's questions to his attention.

Mr. Skinner

Does the Secretary of State recall that about two years ago, when Lady Thatcher was in power, I raised the question of silver that had disappeared from a National Trust house in Northampton? Apparently, it was found in the possession of the then Prime Minister at No. 10 Downing street. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I asked a number of other questions and discovered that Lady Thatcher had paintings and all sorts of other art collections from museums and art galleries throughout the country? Have they been returned, or did she take them with her?

Mr. Brooke

I am unfamiliar with the precise detail of the hon. Gentleman's point, but I shall inquire into it. However, I am sure that all hon. Members would wish No. 10 Downing street to be an appropriate showpiece for the heritage of our nation.

Mr. Rowe

If, over the years, academic and other institutions have, through their own prudence or that of others, been endowed with works of art which they view as a form of capital assets, will my right hon. Friend take a balanced view of the desire of such institutions—at times when they want to continue doing what they do—to sell them?

Mr. Brooke

I am not absolutely confident that I followed every sub-clause of my hon. Friend's question, but I will read it with great care and if I can give my hon. Friend a specific answer, I shall do so.

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