§ Mr. Cormackasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will issue a statement clarifying the rules governing private treaty sales of works of art to national museums and approved institutions.
§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Chancellor of Exchequer what is the basis of the practice of the Treasury for interventions of a mandatory character between parties affecting the calculating of the price paid under private treaty by public institutions for works of art and museum objects exempted from capital transfer tax; what is the statutory authority under which this practice has been applied; and if he will make a statement on the freedom of institutions consequently to negotiate the purchases of this nature according to their own judgment in the circumstances of each particular case.
§ Mr. Peter ReesI regret that in the time available it has not been possible to provide the information requested. I shall write to my hon. Friend and the hon. Member.