§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will ask the Standing Commission on Museums and Galleries to publicise its considered opinions on (a) the imposition of museum admission charges, and (b) the introduction of value-added tax on works of art.
Mr. St. John StevasThe standing commission has always been free to put forward its opinions on all matters falling within its terms of reference, and my noble Friend will continue to give careful consideration to them.
§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will ask the Trustees of the National Portrait Gallery if they are satisfied that the export of works of art of national historical interest will not be accelerated by the imposition of value added tax on 1st April.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasMy noble Friend welcomes the views of the Trustees of the National Portrait Gallery and other bodies interested in the export of works of art on the effect of VAT or any other matter in this field.