§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, since the dispersal by sale would be archivally damaging, he will ask the standing committee on the export of work of art to refuse an export licence to anyone other than the Government of Antigua for the Codrington papers.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasIf an export licence were to be applied for and an objection to export raised by the appropriate expert adviser, it would be for me to decide on the grant of a licence in the light of the recommendation of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art. I cannot anticipate what recommendation the reviewing committee might make in that event, but I can assure the hon. Member that all relevant factors would be taken into account.